Ad-hoc committee to manage WFI affairs

26 Dec 2023 Ad-hoc committee to manage WFI affairs

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Ad-hoc committee to manage WFI affairs”. This topic has relevance in the Social Justice section of the UPSC CSE exam.

GS 2: Social Justice

Why in the news?

The Sports Ministry has urged the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad-hoc committee responsible for overseeing and regulating the operations of the federation. Previously, the ministry had taken the step of suspending the recently elected governing body of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Background:

• Allegations and Protests:
  • Wrestlers, led by Vinesh Phogat, have accused WFI President Brij Bhushan of engaging in the sexual exploitation of women wrestlers, along with alleging financial mismanagement and arbitrary practices within the WFI.
  • The wrestlers are demanding the registration of an FIR against Brij Bhushan, his arrest under the POCSO Act, his removal as the WFI president, and the dissolution of the federation.
• Oversight Committee Intervention:
  • In response to the allegations, the government formed a six-member Oversight Committee, headed by MC Mary Kom, tasked with investigating the claims.
  • The Oversight Committee faced delays in submitting its report, finally doing so in April before being disbanded.
• Disrupted Election Process:
  • The government nullified the ongoing WFI election process scheduled for May 7th due to the persistent protests.
  • The United World Wrestling (UWW) suspended WFI for its failure to meet election deadlines, and despite repeated postponements, the WFI rescheduled elections for December 21, resulting in the election of Sanjay Singh as the new WFI chief.
• Fresh Protests and Governance Crisis:
  • Sanjay Singh’s appointment as the new WFI chief faced strong opposition from notable wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia.
  • In response to the appointment, Sakshi Malik announced her retirement, and Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri award as a form of protest.
  • The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports reacted by suspending the newly elected WFI governing council, citing violations of the National Sports Code, which included the untimely announcement of Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships and the absence of the WFI Secretary-General during crucial meetings.
• National Sports Code Violation:
  • The Ministry of Sports suspended the recognition of WFI under the National Sports Code, citing violations.
  • Specific breaches included the improper announcement of competitions and the absence of the Secretary-General during key meetings.
• Ongoing Tension:

• • The Indian wrestling community finds itself grappling with internal strife and external sanctions.
  • Uncertainty prevails concerning the resolution of the serious allegations, the conduct of fair elections, and the future governance of the WFI.

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI): Overview

• Foundation and Location:
  • The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was established in 1958 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
  • It serves as the governing body for wrestling in the country.
• Mission and Promotion:
  • WFI focuses on promoting wrestling athletes for prestigious competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games, National Wrestling Championships, and World Wrestling Championships.
  • Its primary objective is to nurture and advance the sport of wrestling on both national and international platforms.
• Affiliation and Compliance:
  • WFI is affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), aligning itself with the larger Olympic movement in India.
  • It adheres to the rules and regulations stipulated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United World Wrestling (UWW).
• Role of UWW:
  • UWW, as the international governing body for wrestling, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the sport at prestigious events such as the World Championships and the Olympics.
  • WFI collaborates with UWW to ensure the implementation of standardized rules and practices in the sport globally.
• Contract System for Wrestlers (2018):

• • In a significant development in 2018, WFI introduced a groundbreaking contracts system for wrestlers.
  • Wrestlers are categorized into four grades:
    • Grade A: Provides monetary support of 30 lakh rupees.
    • Grade B: Provides financial support amounting to 20 lakh rupees.
    • Grade C: Extends support of 10 lakh rupees.
    • Grade D: Offers financial assistance of 5 lakh rupees.
  • Contracts undergo review on an annual basis, reflecting WFI’s commitment to supporting and recognizing the contributions of wrestlers.

Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/ioa-debars-outgoing-wfi-officials-from-undertaking-federations-administrative-work/articleshow/100205481.cms

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 26th Dec 2023

Q.1 Examine the recent controversies surrounding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the protests initiated by top Indian wrestlers. Critically analyze the impact of these controversies on the sport of wrestling in India

rishabh