UWW writes to IOA, ad-hoc panel seeking WFI election report

EXACTLY two weeks after the election to the executive committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was held in New Delhi, the United World Wrestling (UWW) on Thursday apparently has sought written confirmation from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) about the proceedings.

- FIROZ MIRZA

It is understood that the UWW apparently has addressed a letter to both the IOA president and adhoc committee asking them to submit a detailed plan to provide a safe environment to wrestlers for approval.

Incidentally, the letter was written to the IOA and its ad hoc panel, a day after this daily reported that the UWW is yet not receive any official confirmation regarding the WFI election from the IOA. It should be noted here that the UWW suspended the WFI last year for not conducting elections. It also raised serious concerns over the wrestlers’ protest in the country wherein the top grapplers from the country accused the former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment.

The detailed plan sought by the world body deals with the issues as it urged the IOA to set up a committee to address complaints of abuse and harassment. The committee has to be in compliance with the Indian laws said the UWW. It also urged the IOA to form an Athletes’ Commission that should consist of male and female athletes in equal numbers. The UWW made it clear that the suspension imposed in August last year could only be revoked once these measures are implemented. It also clarified that Indian wrestlers can continue to participate in international events under the same conditions laid out in the suspension letter.