Bajrang Punia and Fellow Wrestlers Seek Court’s Help for Wrestling Federation Management
On Wednesday, wrestler Bajrang Punia and others approached the Delhi High Court to request the appointment of an independent administrator for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). They want this administrator to manage the WFI, including overseeing selection trials. Justice Prateek Jalan’s bench has issued notices to all involved parties and scheduled the next hearing for December 12.
This request follows a previous court order from August, which called for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to reconstitute an ad hoc committee. This committee was meant to supervise WFI operations after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports suspended the WFI’s newly elected executive committee in 2023.
The petitioners are asking for a one-man committee to take over WFI management. Alternatively, they suggest appointing a retired judge as an administrator. They also want fresh selection trials for upcoming competitions, in line with a Government of India letter from December 24, 2023.
The court had previously allowed the IOA’s ad hoc committee to reconstitute a new multi-member body with experienced sportspersons and experts. The petitioners want to ensure that no selection trials violate the court’s previous orders.
Doubts Revealed
Bajrang Punia -: Bajrang Punia is a famous Indian wrestler who has won many medals for India in international competitions. He is known for his skills in freestyle wrestling.
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big court in India that makes important legal decisions. It is located in New Delhi, the capital city of India.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) -: The Wrestling Federation of India is the organization that manages wrestling activities in India. It helps organize competitions and supports wrestlers in the country.
Indian Olympic Association -: The Indian Olympic Association is a group that helps Indian athletes participate in the Olympic Games and other international sports events. It supports and promotes sports in India.
ad hoc committee -: An ad hoc committee is a temporary group formed to handle a specific task or issue. In this case, it was created to supervise the Wrestling Federation of India.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports -: This is a part of the Indian government that focuses on sports and activities for young people. It helps develop sports in India and supports athletes.
retired judge -: A retired judge is someone who used to work as a judge in a court but has now stopped working. They have a lot of experience in making fair decisions.
selection trials -: Selection trials are competitions where athletes compete to be chosen for a team or event. They help decide who is the best to represent the country in sports.
