The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has relocated its office away from the residence of its former president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a decisive move following the Sports Ministry’s stern disapproval.

Notably, the Sports Ministry had suspended the newly-elected WFI body, which was under the leadership of Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan. This suspension came as a significant blow to the new office-bearers and was a response to various allegations and procedural discrepancies. The ministry had also expressed concerns that the new body was operating under the complete control of former office-bearers, which was not in line with the National Sports Code.

Sanjay Singh addressed accusations about the WFI office operating from Brij Bhushan’s residence by stating that the recently elected team requires time to secure a new workplace. He assured that he was prepared to swiftly relocate to any location directed by the government.

“One of the allegations is that the federation is run from his residence. We took over the WFI only two days before, we are looking for a place. If the Sports Mnistry tells us where to go, we will go there immediately. We are also looking for a new office, we are ready to shift immediately,” Singh had told India Today.

The controversy erupted shortly after the WFI elections held on December 21, 2023, where Sanjay Singh emerged victorious. His election was not welcomed by top wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, who retired in protest, and Bajrang Punia, who returned his Padma Shri award.

World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat also followed suit as she returned her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award. The athletes’ discontent stemmed from the notion that the new WFI body would be influenced by Brij Bhushan.

The Sports Ministry pinpointed several issues with the functioning of the new WFI committee. It criticized the committee for hastily announcing the organization of U-15 and U-20 nationals without following due procedure or providing sufficient notice to wrestlers for preparation. The ministry highlighted that such decisions should be taken by the Executive Committee with proper notice and quorum as per the WFI constitution and the National Sports Development Code.

Meanwhile, the Indian Olympic Association has announced that IOA constituted a three-member ad hoc committee on Wednesday to run the day-to-day affairs of the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Wushu Association of India president Bhupinder Singh Bajwa will head the ad hoc committee along with hockey Olympian MM Somaya and former international badminton player Manjusha Kanwar being the other two members.