IOA cannot exercise control over WFI; UWW should lift ban: WFI chief tells world body chief Lalovic

NEW DELHI: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has reminded United World Wrestling (UWW) that, in accordance with the rules of the international body and the IOC charter, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) “cannot exercise any control” over the newly-elected body. The WFI has urged UWW to promptly lift the provisional suspension imposed in August of the previous year.

In a letter to UWW President Nenad Lalovic, Sanjay Singh, the newly-elected chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, asserted that any interference by the IOA in wrestling affairs should be considered “illegal” by UWW. This comes after the sports ministry suspended the WFI three days after it assumed power, leading to the re-institution of an IOA ad-hoc panel to oversee the sport.

“Pursuant to the election, the newly-elected body has taken charge of the WFI and is managing its affairs, and we await the lifting of the provisional suspension imposed by the UWW,” said Sanjay Singh in his letter to Lalovic on Friday, a copy of which is with PTI.

“We understand that we continue to be an affiliated member of the UWW. However, there is a provisional suspension imposed by the UWW which was to be vacated after holding of the elections of the WFI as mentioned in your letter dated 23rd August 2023.”

Sanjay, who secured a significant victory in the polls on December 21, has also highlighted to UWW a Delhi High Court order that explicitly prohibits the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from interfering in the affairs of the National Sports Federations.

“We would also like to draw your attention to a judgment of the High Court of Delhi against the IOA which was passed on l6th August 2023, which stated that the IOA cannot exercise any control of authority over a National Sports Federation. Any influence by the IOA would be illegal, NSF’s are independent entities.”

Sanjay, a close associate of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, also pointed out that when the Indian courts, the UWW rules and the Olympic charter all profess autonomy of NSF’s how could the IOA breach those rules.

“As can be seen whether it’s the Courts in India, the UWW rules or the Olympic Charter, all three mandate the autonomy of the NSF’s and the IOA even otherwise cannot be any controlling factor to accept or reject an election of a NSF which would be as per its own constitution.

“Hence, we request you to accept the elections of the WFI as has been done in the past many decades by the UWW and lift the provisional suspension of the WFI. The IOA also does not and cannot approve any election of any other NSF in India as well. It would not be fair to put the WFI as an exception for something that is not even legally correct,” he added.

He said the elections were held in a free and fair manner under the directives of the Supreme Court and the IOA was notified at every step.

“All this (elections) was done transparently and the IOA was well aware of the entire process as the same was being done from the office of the IOA only. All successful candidates were also issued due certificates of election by the Returning Officer,” he said.

Sanjay also pointed out that the ministry had issued a letter confirming the successful completion of the poll process.

“The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports issued a letter just after 3 days of the election and confirming that the elections were held on 21.12.2023, in which Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh has been elected as President and Shri Prem Chand Lochab as Secretary General and other office-bearers. The copy of this letter is also attached herewith for your perusal,” wrote the WFI chief.

(With PTI Inputs)

For more news like this visit TOI. Get all the Latest News, City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Guru Nanak Jayanti: Rishi Sunak Highlights Punjabi Heritage In Message, Trudeau Extends Greetings

In a greeting from 10 Downing Street on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned his Punjabi Indian origin, news agency PTI reported. The 43-year-old ... Read more »

What US easing sanctions on Venezuela, home to world’s largest oil reserves, could mean for India

This report is the second of a three-part series on recent Indian engagement in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. New Delhi: The US’ decision last month to ease ... Read more »

Rajshri Deshpande dedicates OTT award to innocent lives lost in Gaza, Palestine

Rajshri Deshpande dedicates OTT award to innocent lives lost in Gaza, Palestine Actor and social worker Rajshri Deshpande won the Best Actor, Series (Female) award for Netflix’s ‘Trial By Fire’. ... Read more »

‘Ramchandra Keh Gaye…’: From Jan 1, RSS to Spread Word of God, Ayodhya Inauguration Among 10 Crore People

‘Ramchandra Keh Gaye…’: From Jan 1, RSS to Spread Word of God, Ayodhya Inauguration Among 10 Crore People In its effort to take the Ram Janmabhoomi message to households across ... Read more »

Ace designer Rohit Bal critical, on ventilator: report

Ace designer Rohit Bal critical, on ventilator: report Celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal is in critical condition and is on ventilator support, HT City reported, quoting sources. He has been ... Read more »

Bengaluru: Traffic Advisory Issued, Parking Restrictions In Place As Samyukta Horata Samiti Holds Protest | Details

Bengaluru: Traffic Advisory Issued, Parking Restrictions In Place As Samyukta Horata Samiti Holds Protest | Details The Bengaluru Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for November 27 and 28 ... Read more »

Vistara Flights Diverted Due To Air Congestion At Delhi Airport | DETAILS

vistara flights diverted due to air congestion at delhi airport | details Delhi: Two Vistara flight has been diverted to Lucknow and Jaipur due to bad weather and air congestion ... Read more »
Top List in the World