Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Satywart Kadian have filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, challenging an invitation extended by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for wrestlers to participate in selection trials for the Asian Olympic Qualifiers and the World Olympic Qualifiers.
The petition, likely to be heard by the High Court next week.
Notably, these wrestlers were at the forefront of the protest against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Following Singh’s tenure, Sanjay Singh assumed leadership of the wrestling federation, recognized for his close association with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The wrestlers have argued that the WFI, having been suspended by the sports ministry, lacks the authority to invite wrestlers for the trials. The plea asserts that an ad-hoc committee was established by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to manage the affairs of the WFI. Despite being aware of its illegal status, the WFI issued the notice for the selection trials.
The plea argued that the ad hoc committee has also set the dates for the trials, which coincide with those issued by the WFI.
“Two parallel national championships shall result in utmost confusion and disparity amongst contesting athletes, leading to multiple qualification entrants for the International Governing bodies,” the plea stated.
It further argued that there are reasonable apprehensions arising from attempts by the WFI, in collusion with other entities, to tamper with the eligibility and bona fide of the petitioners as participating athletes, including anti-doping regulatory tests.
The petitioner have also contended that they, along with numerous other athletes, have been selectively targeted and harassed by the WFI for their vocal, outspoken, and critical stance regarding the illegalities within the federation and the sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other office bearers.
