United World Wrestling lifts suspension on Wrestling Federation of India

[Photo: Twitter/@wfi_wrestling]


The international body, United World Wrestling (UWW), has lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) with immediate effect.

The development took place on Sunday after UWW’s ruling on August 23, 2023, which had banned the Indian wrestling body for failing to hold elections within the required period. Another reason for the suspension was that WFI operated without a president for six months.

On February 9, the UWW bureau held a meeting to discuss the suspension, during which they decided to lift the suspension immediately.

UWW has instructed the Indian Federation to hold fresh elections for its Athletics Commission, with candidates being either active athletes or retired for no more than four years.

Only athletes will be eligible to vote in this election, which must be completed before July 1, during trials or any senior national championships.

Additionally, WFI must assure UWW that there will be no discrimination in the selection of Indian wrestlers for all WFI events, especially in trials for the Olympic Games or any other major and international tournament.

Following the suspension lift, Indian wrestlers can now compete in upcoming tournaments under their country’s flag.