Sanjay Singh, Brij Bhushan Singh's Associate, Wins Wrestling Federation Of India Presidency

Sanjay Singh, backed by Brij Bhushan Singh, triumphs as the new president of the Wrestling Federation of India after 11 months. His victory, contested by wrestlers, marks a pivotal shift in leadership, potentially leading to the lifting of the WFI's suspension by United World Wrestling.

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In a significant development within the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan Singh, clinched the presidency. The electoral process transpired after an 11-month hiatus, succeeding Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president.

A.K. Saha, Jay Prakash, Kartar Singh, and Mr. Fauni secured vice-president positions. Additionally, Mr. Lokant assumes the role of Secretary-General within the wrestling body. Notably, Singh's victory came after surpassing Anita Sheoran, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, by a significant margin of 40:7. Sheoran aspired to become the inaugural female president of the federation.

The long-awaited elections finally took place on Thursday, December 21, after prolonged delays. The entire voting and counting process occurred on the same day, with 15 posts under scrutiny.

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Singh's close affiliation with former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was highlighted during the voting process. "The WFI election, after 11 months, ensures the victory of Sanjay Singh, UP Wrestling Federation's vice-president," remarked Brij Bhushan to reporters.

Amidst the electoral process, wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia expressed reservations about Singh's candidacy, voicing dissent. Earlier, Brij Bhushan Sharan faced protests from prominent Indian wrestlers, who stepped down due to allegations of misconduct. The athletes staged a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, threatening to discard their medals into the Ganges River.

The restructuring within the WFI administration could potentially prompt United World Wrestling to lift the suspension imposed on the Indian wrestling body. The global body had suspended the WFI for its failure to adhere to the election timeline set in August.