WFI Challenges Delhi High Court's Decision Amid Concerns Over Wrestlers' Participation

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is set to challenge a Delhi High Court order that reinstates an Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc committee to manage its affairs. This legal tussle arises as Indian wrestlers' participation in upcoming World Championships might be jeopardized due to alleged outside interference in the sport's governance.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced on Friday its intention to challenge the Delhi High Court's decision to reinstate the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad-hoc committee to oversee the federation's affairs. WFI claims this external interference could put Indian wrestlers' participation in forthcoming World Championships at risk.

The court's ruling followed a plea seeking to halt WFI's functioning as the national sports federation, citing concerns from prominent wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik. This move has been met with a promise of further legal action from WFI, as they aim to take the issue to a double bench and potentially involve international sports bodies like UWW and IOC.

UWW had earlier expressed discontent with the ad-hoc committee, warning that non-compliance with UWW statutes could trigger another suspension of the WFI. As the U-17 World Championship in Jordan and the U-20 World Championship in Spain approach, uncertainty looms over Indian wrestlers' eligibility to participate.

(With inputs from agencies.)