Indian wrestlers cleared for Senior World Championship: Sports Minister
JIMMC NEWS, KANPUR; The Indian wrestling team has secured government approval to participate in the upcoming World Championships in Albania, following intervention by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The decision came after 12 selected wrestlers assembled outside Mandaviya’s residence on Friday, seeking his support just one day after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced it would withdraw India’s entries due to legal complications.
However, Mandaviya did not give a clear or official remark on the matter and said “The government is clear, all federations can work as they want, the government only helps them. Sports should grow in the country and our players should do well both at national and international level.”
It came as a huge relief for twelve wrestlers who are now set to compete at the world championships. The wrestlers, along with their parents, went to meet the Sports Minister at his residence in the morning following the uncertainty over their participation.
On Thursday, WFI had withdrawn the Indian team from the World Championships, citing the Sports Ministry’s continued “interference in its autonomy.” WFI president Sanjay Singh has written to the United World Wrestling (UWW) President Nenad Lalovic, saying the Sports Ministry “continues to interfere in the autonomy of the WFI.The Minister met the wrestlers and resolved the crisis.
“A group of wrestlers met me and apprised me of their concern. I gave the direction that the court matter will continue in court but the wrestlers must compete in World Championships. They should get this opportunity,” Mandaviya told reporters.Mandaviya, who met WFI president Sanjay Singh, extended government’s support and asked WFI to send the team.
“We discussed the issue with the Sports Minister and cleared the participation of the team. He also said there will be a review (of the suspension order). The team will depart on Sunday morning,” said Singh.
Earlier this month, WFI was restrained from holding selection trials by the Delhi High Court on a contempt plea by Satyawart Kadian — a protesting wrestler and husband of Sakshi Malik.
