WFI to challenge suspension of newly elected body, calls it 'violation of National Sports Code'

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) plans to contest the Indian Sports Ministry's decision to suspend the recently chosen body, a decision led by the Union Minister. The WFI has scheduled an Executive Committee meeting on January 16th in the national capital to strategize their next steps. WFI believes the Sports Ministry's suspension defies the National Sports Code and the WFI constitution. The WFI refuses to acknowledge either the suspension or the interim panel set up to oversee the sport's daily operations. The WFI emphasized its need for a functional Federation, planning to take the issue to court. The group finds the suspension unacceptable since it was democratically elected, leading to a meeting scheduled for January 16th. The Indian government's suspension came three days post the Federation's election, in which a close associate of a person accused of sexual harassment was declared the winner. This resulted in Sakshi Malik, a noted wrestler, resigning. Bajrang Punia, and other medalists, returned their national recognitions as a form of protest when they were denied access to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. PTI, a news agency, reported that the Executive Committee meeting announcement was made on December 31st, focusing on defining specific constitutional provisions. The Sports Ministry objected to the lack of the Secretary General's involvement in the General Council meeting on December 21st. WFI, however, argued that it had not broken any rules, and the President had the constitutional authority to make decisions, with the Secretary General obligated to implement them. As per sources, incoming discussions will concentrate on the interim panel's formation and organization of age group competitions. The ad hoc panel has revealed plans to run the senior Nationals starting on February 3rd in Jaipur, and championships for different age groups within the next six weeks.