The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Wrestling Federation of India on a plea moved by Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vines Phogat and Satyawrat Kadiyan challenging WFI circular to conduct selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament.
The bench of Justice Sachin Datta sought the response from all respondents and listed March 7, 2024, for a detailed hearing. The plea by Wrestlers stated that the suspended Wrestling Federation of India WFI conducting selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament notified through its circular on February 26, 2024, against the directives of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Wrestling Federation of India by Indian Olympic Association and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
The plea alleged that the Petitioners along with numerous other athletes have been selectively targeted and harassed by WFI for being evidently vocal, outspoken and critical over WFI’s blatant illegalities and corrupt malpractices including but not limited to allegations of Sexual Harassment by Federation office bearers.
WFI, a National Sports Federation duly recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports held its elections on December 21, 2023. Immediately after the elections, the Ministry issued an order on December 24, abstaining the Executive Committee of WFI from carrying out any activities pertaining to managing and administrating the day-to-day activities of the Federation.