New Delhi: The Sports Ministry on Tuesday announced the lifting of the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India, paving the way for the holding of domestic wrestling competitions and selection of national teams for international championships. The Sports Ministry had suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, when the federation announced the holding of the Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships without proper preparation and government approval.

A few days earlier, on December 21, 2023, the new administration led by Sanjay Singh had won the WFI elections, but the government had strongly objected to the decision to hold the national championship in Gonda, Nandini Nagar, an area of ​​influence of former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The Sports Ministry said in its statement that the WFI has taken necessary steps for correctness, and has ensured transparency in the functioning of the organization, hence the decision to lift the suspension. According to the ministry: WFI has improved its administrative policies. All competitions will be held as per government guidelines. The interests of wrestlers will be taken into consideration and their welfare will be ensured. National and international wrestling competitions will be able to resume.

Wrestlers will get full opportunity to prepare for World Championships and Olympics. WFI will now work with the World Wrestling Federation to ensure India’s representation. According to sources, the federation will soon release a new schedule for the national championships, and the preparations of Indian wrestlers for the Paris Olympics 2024 will also be accelerated.