WFI Row: Authorities unhappy with wrestlers after report 'delay' due to last-minute demands
New Delhi, February 24: The Indian wrestling authorities are displeased with the behaviour of the ace wrestlers and stated that the report submission was delayed due to the grapplers' last-minute demand to add a member of their choice to the 'Oversight Committee' formed to investigate allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) on Thursday extended by two weeks the report submission deadline for the Wrestling Oversight Committee, which was formed to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment/intimidation, financial irregularities, and administrative lapses at the WFI.
"The report submission was also delayed due to wrestlers' last-minute demand of asking for adding a member of their choice in the oversight committee," sources added.
The committee has been given until March 9 to submit its report. After members of the Oversight Committee sent a request letter for the report's submission, the competent authorities approved the extension. During the inquiry, the committee's other functions, including day-to-day administration of WFI, are also extended.
Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia, Ravi Kumar Dahiya, Sakshi Malik, and others had opted out of the year's first two ranking series tournaments in Zagreb and Cairo, respectively. Earlier this year, the wrestlers accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of mismanagement.
"Top wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat missing back-to-back ranking series tournaments hasn't gone down well with the competent authorities. The authorities raised questions on their dedication and commitment towards the sport in an Olympic qualifying year and they aren't setting a good example for young wrestlers," a source added.
- PTC NEWS
