# WFI Suspension Lifted: Full Timeline of Indian Wrestling’s Struggles

URL: https://technosports.co.in/wfi-suspension-lifted-full-timeline-of-indian/  
Published: 2025-03-12  
Updated: 2025-03-12  
Author: REMYA BABU S

WFI Suspension Lifted: After two years of governance turmoil, legal battles, and protests, the **[Wrestling Federation of India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrestling_Federation_of_India)(WFI)** has finally had its suspension lifted by the **Union Sports Ministry** on **March 11, 2025**. This decision paves the way for Indian wrestlers to participate in international competitions smoothly.

The journey, however, has been filled with controversy, power struggles, and multiple leadership changes. Here’s a detailed timeline of how WFI’s governance crisis unfolded over the past two years.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/WFI-Suspension-Lifted-df.webp)

## ***WFI Suspension Lifted: A Complete Timeline of Indian Wrestling Federation’s Struggles***

### **Timeline of WFI’s Power Struggle**

#### **2023: Wrestlers’ Protest and Initial Suspension**

- **January 18:** Wrestlers begin a protest at Jantar Mantar, accusing **WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh** of sexual harassment and demanding his resignation.
- **January 20:** Wrestlers write to **IOA President PT Usha** for an inquiry. A seven-member **IOA committee**, including **MC Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt**, is formed to investigate.
- **January 21:** Protest is halted after a meeting with **Sports Minister Anurag Thakur**. An **Oversight Committee** is set up to probe the allegations, and **Brij Bhushan steps aside**.

#### **Formation of Oversight Committee & Discontent**

- **January 23:** An **Oversight Committee**, led by **Mary Kom**, is given **four weeks** to investigate.
- **January 24:** Wrestlers express **displeasure**, claiming they weren’t consulted about the committee members.
- **April 16:** WFI announces elections for **May 7**, but the Oversight Committee’s report is not made public.
- **April 23:** Wrestlers return to protest, revealing that **seven female wrestlers** (including a minor) had filed harassment complaints against **Brij Bhushan**.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/WFI-Suspension-Lifted-w.webp)

#### **Legal Battles and Protests Intensify**

- **April 24:** Ministry postpones WFI elections, asking **IOA** to set up an **ad-hoc body** to oversee operations.
- **April 25:** Wrestlers approach the **Supreme Court**, demanding an **FIR against Brij Bhushan**.
- **May 3:** A scuffle breaks out between **protesters and Delhi Police**.
- **May 10-11:** Wrestlers challenge **Brij Bhushan** to undergo a **narco test**.

#### **New Developments in WFI Leadership**

- **May 28:** Top wrestlers like **Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia** face rioting charges during a protest.
- **June 7:** Wrestlers temporarily suspend protests after **Minister Thakur’s assurances** about a fair investigation.
- **June 25:** **Guwahati High Court** stops **WFI elections (scheduled for July 11)**.
- **July 19:** Elections are **rescheduled for August 7**, but postponed again due to legal complications.

#### **Election Disputes & UWW Suspension**

- **August 23:** The **United World Wrestling (UWW)** suspends WFI for not holding elections on time.
- **December 21:** **Sanjay Singh**, a **Brij Bhushan loyalist**, is elected **WFI President**.
- **December 24:** The **Sports Ministry suspends WFI again**, citing **governance and procedural lapses**.

#### **2024: Court Orders and Further Delays**

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/WFI-Suspension-Lifted-e.webp)

- **March 9:** **Delhi High Court** halts WFI trials, directing an **ad-hoc panel** to oversee team selection.
- **March 18:** **IOA dissolves the ad-hoc committee**, leading to further uncertainty.
- **August 16:** **Delhi High Court reinstates the ad-hoc committee** until the government formally recalls WFI’s suspension.

#### **2025: Suspension Finally Lifted**

- **March 11, 2025:** The **Union Sports Ministry revokes WFI’s suspension**, restoring governance control.
- **March 15, 2025:** WFI schedules **selection trials** for the **Asian Championships (March 25-30, 2025)** at the **Indira Gandhi Stadium, Delhi**.

### **What Led to the Suspension Being Lifted?**

The Ministry lifted WFI’s suspension after verifying that:

- WFI had distanced itself from **Brij Bhushan and his associates**.
- Governance issues were **addressed as per the National Sports Code**.
- Selection for international events would be **conducted fairly and transparently**.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/WFI-Suspension-Lifted.webp)

### **What’s Next for Indian Wrestling?**

With the suspension lifted, Indian wrestlers can now focus on their performance without administrative disruptions. The upcoming **Asian Championships in Amman (March 25-30, 2025)** will be the first major event post-suspension, marking a fresh start for Indian wrestling.

## FAQs

### **Why was the WFI suspended?**

The WFI was suspended due to governance issues, election delays, and influence from former office-bearers violating the National Sports Code.

### **When was the suspension lifted?**

The WFI’s suspension was lifted on **March 11, 2025**, by the **Union Sports Ministry**.

**Read more: [IPL 2025 Retentions: Full List of Retained and Released Players, Remaining Purse, RTM Cards & Confirmed Captains](https://technosports.co.in/ipl-2025-retentions-players-purse-rtm-captains/)**