The administrative chaos in the Wrestling Federation of India has lead to the sport’s world governing body expressing concerns over India’s ability to host the upcoming Asian Championships, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from 28 March through to 2 April.
United World Wrestling (UWW) president Nenad Latovic on Tuesday shot off a letter seeking the “contact details of the person in charge” of the organising committee for the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023.
It bears noting that the Union Sports Ministry has announced an Oversight Committee headed by Indian boxing legend Mary Kom to handle the day-to-day functioning of the WFI in the wake of serious allegations of sexual harassment of women wrestlers, embezzlement of sponsorship funds, and athletes’ mismanagement made against federation president Brij Bhushan.
“The UWW is also concerned by the conditions of organization of the 2023 Asian Championships Senior in New Delhi, currently planned from 28 March until 2 April 2023. We would greatly appreciate to be informed whether the capacity is still in place to organize this event and to welcome all delegations in good conditions,” Latovic’s letter reads.
“UWW hereby reiterate its great concern around the allegations made by the athletes and remain at disposal for any further assistance,” Latovic further wrote.
Letter from Latovic regarding the WFI in full:
“The UWW has taken due note of the decisions made by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to suspend the activities of the Wrestling Federation of India (WF!) until an Oversight Committee is appointed to take over the daily activities of the federation. The suspension of Mr Vinod Kumar, Assistant Secretary of the WF is also well noted.
“To ensure that the participation of Indian wrestlers in their sport does not suffer unreasonable delays and that the operations related to their entries in international competitions are correctly followed up, we would appreciate receiving the contact details of the person in charge of this oversight committee as very soon as possible. UWW remains a disposal to assist this committee with regards to the conditions and the administration of entries in international competitions.
“The UWW is also concerned by the conditions of organization of the 2023 Asian Championships Senior in New Delhi, currently planned from 28 March until 2 April 2023. We would greatly appreciate to be informed whether the capacity is still in place to organize this event and to welcome all delegations in good conditions. The contact details of the person in charge of your Organizing Committee would also be appreciated.
“UWW hereby reiterate its great concern around the allegations made by the athletes and remain at disposal for any further assistance.”
