RSPB secretary Prem Chand Lochab, who is also secretary-general of the WFI as he won the election last year. He was apparently nominated by the faction led by the protesting wrestlers and was elected through a ‘compromise formula’. He confirmed that Railways wrestlers will not compete at the tournament.
“The Elected Executive Committee of WFI has been suspended by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 24.12.2023. The Ministry has instructed the newly elected Executive Committee of WFI to abstain from administering and managing the day to day activities of the federation with immediate effect until further orders. Also, Hon’ble High of Delhi on 16 August 2024 has held that the ad-hoc Committee of Indian Olympic Association will continue to manage Affairs of WFI until such time order of the Union of India dated 24.12.2023 remains in force. In such a situation, it would not be in fittest of things to send Railways team Officially in an unrecognised event,” Lochab replied to a text message from The New Indian Express.
Even as Lochab cites last year’s suspension order, it is interesting to note that Railways wrestlers had been participating in various international wrestling competitions on requests made by the WFI. Some of the coaches and referees too were part of the teams sent by the WFI for global events. Vicky (FS, 97kg) and Anirudh Kumar (FS, 125kg) were allowed to compete in the U23 World Championships. Vicky won bronze while Anirudh lost the repechage round in the same event. Similarly, Mansi of Railway (WW, 59kg), Sandeep Singh Mann (FS, 92kg) and Rohit Dahiya (GR, 82kg) — all from Railways — competed at the Senior World Championships (Non-Olympic Weight Categories). Mansi bagged a bronze medal as well.
Since the WFI is recognised by the international body (United World Wrestling), they are the sole authority to send teams for international meets. At best, because of court order and non-recognition of NSFs, which is the case with almost all major sports federations, the sports ministry can withdraw monetary support or grants. That includes concessions for travels for national meets.
