Indian Wrestling Federation Ban Lifted: A Timeline of Events from Allegations Against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to the Present
The Ministry of Sports has officially lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) after a long period of 26 months. This significant decision has been welcomed by former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and current president Sanjay Singh. With this development, Sanjay Singh has been granted full control over the Federation. Notably, Sanjay Singh is widely regarded as a close associate of Brij Bhushan, making this decision even more noteworthy.
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WFI suspension lifted: Timeline of Brij Bhushan controversy and Indian wrestling federation reinstatement in 2025. @PTI |
Key Takeaways:
- Suspension on the Wrestling Federation of
India (WFI) lifted after 26 months.
- WFI President Sanjay Singh gains full control
over operations.
- Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was
accused of serious misconduct by female wrestlers.
WFI Ban Lifted: Background & Context
After being suspended for
over two years, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has regained its
operational status. This decision has drawn significant attention, especially
considering the previous allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. His alleged
misconduct led to his resignation, triggering leadership changes within the
federation.
Sanjay Singh, a known
confidant of Brij Bhushan, was elected as the new WFI president. However,
within just 72 hours of his election, the Ministry of Sports imposed a
suspension on WFI. Reports suggest that one of the key reasons behind the ban
was the controversy surrounding Brij Bhushan, a former BJP MP from Kaiserganj,
Gonda district.
Having served as the WFI
president from April 5, 2012, to December 21, 2023, Brij Bhushan was a dominant
figure in Indian wrestling. His tenure, spanning over a decade, came under
scrutiny when female wrestlers accused him of sexual harassment. The alleged
incidents reportedly took place between 2016 and 2019 at the WFI office, his
residence, and even during international trips. Despite these allegations, Brij
Bhushan has continuously denied any wrongdoing.
Timeline of Key Events Leading to the WFI Ban
January 2023 – Sexual Harassment Allegations Surface
For the first time,
allegations of sexual misconduct were made against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia,
gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding justice.
January 18, 2023 – Wrestlers Begin Protest
The protesting wrestlers
called for Brij Bhushan’s immediate arrest. Their demonstration continued for
over a month, gaining widespread media coverage.
April 21, 2023 – Legal Action Initiated
When no FIR was
registered against Brij Bhushan, seven female wrestlers, including a minor,
approached the Supreme Court to seek justice.
April 25, 2023 – Supreme Court Takes Notice
Recognizing the gravity
of the situation, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi Police to file a
response within two days regarding the allegations.
April 28, 2023 – Delhi Police Registers FIR
Following the Supreme
Court’s intervention, the Delhi Police lodged an FIR against Brij Bhushan.
Subsequently, in June 2023, a charge sheet was filed against him and WFI
official Vinod Tomar. One of the complainants later withdrew her statement.
December 21, 2023 – WFI Elections Take Place
After Brij Bhushan
stepped down, elections were held, and Sanjay Singh’s panel emerged victorious.
His close association with Brij Bhushan, however, stirred controversy.
Following the election results, Brij Bhushan stated, “Our influence remains,”
fueling further political debate. In response, Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi
Malik announced her retirement from wrestling.
December 24, 2023 – WFI Suspended
Just three days after
Sanjay Singh took over as president, the Ministry of Sports suspended WFI for
hastily announcing the Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships.
October 2024 – WFI Requests Ban Removal
WFI submitted an official
request to the Ministry of Sports to lift the suspension, arguing that the ban
hindered the progress of Indian wrestling.
March 11, 2025 – Ban Lifted
After a prolonged period
of 26 months, the Ministry of Sports lifted the suspension on WFI, reinstating
Sanjay Singh’s control over the federation.
Impact of WFI’s Reinstatement on Indian Wrestling
The lifting of the ban is
expected to bring stability to the Indian wrestling community. With WFI back in
action, upcoming wrestling tournaments and training programs are set to resume,
providing much-needed opportunities for young wrestlers. However, the
controversy surrounding Brij Bhushan and the concerns raised by female
wrestlers remain significant issues.
With Indian wrestling
gearing up for major international events, including the 2026 Asian Games and
the 2028 Olympics, WFI’s reinstatement is a critical development. The
federation must now focus on ensuring transparency, safeguarding athletes'
rights, and rebuilding trust within the wrestling fraternity.
Conclusion
The past two years have
been a tumultuous phase for Indian wrestling. From serious allegations against
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to the lifting of WFI’s suspension, the journey has
been full of legal battles, protests, and administrative challenges. While
WFI’s reinstatement marks a new beginning, it also raises questions about
governance, accountability, and the future of Indian wrestling.
With the Wrestling
Federation of India now back in action, the focus must shift toward athlete
welfare, fair governance, and preparing Indian wrestlers for upcoming global
competitions. Only time will tell whether this decision will restore the
sport’s integrity or deepen the existing divides within the wrestling
community.
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