Bajrang Punia wrote an open letter to UWW to cancel the suspension of WFI, said- Wrestlers are in danger

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New Delhi. Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia on Thursday wrote an open letter to United World Wrestling (UWW), demanding the world wrestling body to take action against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

In a letter, Punia wrote that the decision to lift the suspension on the WFI has “put the wrestlers in danger again” by the WFI members.

The sport’s global governing body UWW had temporarily suspended the WFI on August 23 last year after the Indian body failed to conduct the elections on time. However, UWW on Tuesday decided to lift the suspension with immediate effect.

The UWW Bureau met on 9 February to review the suspension among other matters and, considering all elements and information, decided to lift the suspension under the condition that the WFI must immediately provide a written guarantee to the UWW that all Wrestlers will be considered for participation in WFI events without any discrimination.

In a letter to UWW, Punia wrote: “This decision has again subjected Indian wrestlers to intimidation and harassment by WFI members. This is to bring to your attention that this decision has been suspended by WFI from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports till 27 December 2023. was suspended due to serious discrepancies a few days after assuming charge, the Sports Ministry also formed an ad-hoc committee to oversee and conduct wrestling activities.

“Even after this the suspended WFI members under the same leadership took tough decisions to conduct sporting activities without any recognition from the Sports Ministries. Wrestlers all over India have lost faith in the functioning of the Wrestling Federation of India. Because of this the Sports Ministry took strict measures and issued a circular on 7 January 2024.

“Even after this he has publicly issued statements against the wrestlers and the ad-hoc committee. This elected body is still being run by the same person and his associates who have made serious allegations against him and the Sports Ministry too while suspending the body This was taken into consideration.

“We have attached the mentioned letters for your reference. We the wrestlers request you to please support the Indian athletes against unfair practices and harassment in various ways. Indian wrestlers stand by your side for justice and their rights to fair and safe sports. are looking.”

On Wednesday, former wrestler Sakshi Malik accused WFI chief Sanjay Singh of using underhand tactics to lift the suspension imposed on WFI by WWE.

–IANS

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