NEW DELHI: Court Suspends Scheduled Wrestling Federation Elections Slated for Tomorrow, August 12
The former head of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is also a six-time BJP MP, has been accused of attempting to exert influence over the federation through intermediaries. This comes as 18 of his supporters submitted their nominations on July 31.
A group of six prominent wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malikkh, as well as Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat, have brought forward allegations of sexual harassment against the BJP MP. In protest, they staged a sit-in demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
As per the National Sports Code, Mr. Singh is not eligible to compete in the elections, as he has already served 12 years as the federation's leader, the maximum permissible duration.
On July 20, Mr. Singh was granted regular bail by a Delhi court in connection with the sexual harassment case.
Wrestling Federation of India Elections Rescheduled to August 7