The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is set to conduct elections on December 21, with the polling, vote counting, and result declaration all scheduled for the same day. The decision to hold elections comes after the Supreme Court overturned the stay imposed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The returning officers of the WFI polls released a statement, indicating that all preparations, including the final list of candidates, were completed by August 7. The polling, counting of votes, and declaration of results were the remaining steps in the election process.
“The elections of the WFI were stayed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 11.08.2023 just a day before the poll and therefore, polling could not be held on 12.08.2023… the Supreme Court has vacated the stay orders, and therefore the remaining steps like polling etc. will now recommence on 21.12.2023,” the statement explained.
However, the statement added that the election results would be subject to the outcome of the writ petition pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The delay in holding elections led to the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India by United World Wrestling in August 2023. Allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was suspended by the sports ministry, further complicated the situation. Top wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, protested outside Jantar Mantar during this period.
Currently, an ad-hoc panel constituted by the Indian Olympic Association, led by Bhupender Singh Bajwa, is overseeing the day-to-day activities of the WFI.
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