Vinesh Phogat opposes Sports Ministry’s decision to restore WFI affiliation

Olympian wrestler and Congress MLA from Haryana, Vinesh Phogat, on Wednesday opposed the decision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to carry the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), restore its affiliation and hand over the reins to the present set of office-bearers.

Olympian wrestler and Congress MLA from Haryana, Vinesh Phogat, on Wednesday opposed the decision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to carry the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), restore its affiliation and hand over the reins to the present set of office-bearers.

The Sports Ministry suspended the Sanjay Singh-led federation three days after the elections over the announcement to maintain U15 and U20 nationals and has requested the Indian Olympic Affiliation (IOA) to set up a brief panel to oversee the operations of the WFI. On Monday, it determined to carry the suspension following an order by the Delhi Excessive Court docket.

Nonetheless, Vinesh stated the media ought to elevate the difficulty of federations being handed over to goons and criminals.

“I would like the media to elevate this situation extra strongly. That is utterly unsuitable. In a rustic the place sports activities are in such a horrible state, federations are being handed over to goons and criminals,” Vinesh, who has received medals on the World Championships, Asian Video games, Asian Championships and the Commonwealth Video games, informed IANS right here on Wednesday.

Vinesh had reached the ultimate within the 50kg weight class on the Paris Olympic Video games final 12 months earlier than getting disqualified for being obese within the second weigh-in.

Vinesh has been in a prolonged battle with the WFI, together with fellow Olympians Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, accusing former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harrassing feminine wrestlers. The present WFI president, Sanjay Singh, is a recognized affiliate of Brij Bhushan.

Vinesh Phogat stated they might not again down from their combat with WFI.

“These folks overtly declare their dominance in entrance of the whole nation. However we won’t again down from this combat, irrespective of which subject I step into. Our battle has at all times been for reality and honesty, and we are going to proceed on this path with God’s blessings. Others could do as they please, however we are going to stand by what is true,” stated Vinesh.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has made it clear that the Ministry had restored WFIs affiliation following the court docket’s order. The decision additionally permits the WFI to maintain home tournaments and choose nationwide groups for worldwide tournaments.

“As per the Excessive Court docket order, the ministry determined to carry the sanctions in order that our wrestlers can take part within the Asian and World Championships. This additionally offers justice taking a look at the way forward for our wrestlers,” Mandaviya informed reporters on Tuesday.