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Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has confirmed that he will not contest for the president's post in the WFI elections on May 7 but hinted that he might look for a new role within the federation.
He is currently under investigation in relation to the sexual harassment allegations against him and has already served three four-year terms as president in a row. According to the Sports Code, after completing 12 years as WFI chief, he is ineligible to contest for the top position.
Brij Bhushan has served three four-year terms as president in a row and according to the Sports Code after completing 12 years as WFI chief, he is ineligible to contest for the top post.
"We had to schedule elections earlier, but due to the recent controversy, we could not hold the elections earlier, but now we will move forward. I will follow the Sports Code and not contest for president's post," Brij Bhushan told PTI after the Emergency General Council and Executive Committee meeting, chaired by Secretary General VN Prasood, where the election schedule was announced.
So does that mean that he will not be involved with WFI anymore?
"I have said I will not contest for president's post, I have not said I will not contest elections," he added.
Brij Bhushan, 66, will have to serve a four-year cooling-off period to regain the eligibility to contest for an office bearer's post. However, he can be part of the five-member WFI Executive Committee. By the time he serves the cooling-off period in 2027, he would have turned 70 and that will again make him ineligible to contest according to the Code, which has an age cap on all officials.
It will be interesting to see if his son Karan, who is the president of the UP Wrestling Association, throws his hat into the ring. Asked if he was allowed to attend the AGM in the wake of sexual harassment and intimidation accusations levelled against him by the top wrestlers of the country, the WFI President said, he has worked within the rules.
"In writing, I was asked to step aside for three weeks, and later it was extended to six weeks, and I did that. I have appeared at IOA and oversight panel hearings. I can work as WFI official now. There is no question of flouting any rule. "The findings of the committee are with the government, and I am waiting for that report."
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(With PTI Inputs)
