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A day after the WFI withdrew the country's entries from the prestigious tournament, the government on Friday approved the Indian wrestling team's participation in the World Championships after all 12 of the chosen athletes gathered outside Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's home and requested his intervention. After wrestler Satyawart Kadian, Sakshi Malik's husband, filed a lawsuit against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for holding trials for the U23 and senior Worlds, the WFI was compelled to disqualify all three Indian teams from the championships on Thursday.
Kadian argued that WFI was making decisions in contempt of court because it was suspended. The sport and the wrestlers' future are in a state of uncertainty since the IOA has declined to reinstate the ad-hoc panel and the ministry has suspended the WFI. However, in February of this year, the WFI's suspension was removed by the UWW, the world regulatory organization.
"A group of wrestlers met me and apprised me of the issue and their concern. I gave the direction that the court matter will continue in court but the wrestlers must compete in World Championships. They should get this opportunity. Whatever and wherever I needed to speak, I have done that," Mandaviya told reporters.
WFI President Sanjay Singh and the assembled group of wrestlers met the minister. About an hour passed throughout the exchange.
"We discussed the issue with the minister, who assured us that they will take responsibility if a contempt charge is levelled on the federation and cleared the participation of the team. Tickets have already been booked and the team will depart as scheduled on Sunday morning," Sanjay Singh said.
"The ministry has said it will review it. It may take a month or so,” Sanjay Singh said when aksed about the governement assuring of lifting the suspension
However, Mandaviya did not give a clear or official remark on the matter and said "The government is clear, all federations can work as they want, the government only helps them. Sports should grow in the country and our players should do well both at national and international level."
