Wrestling Federation returns to Brij Bhushan Singh’s address.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) office has returned to its original location, previously the home of sexual harassment accused Brij Bhushan Singh. In 2023, following the Sports Ministry’s suspension of WFI, the office was moved to Hari Nagar. However, a new tenant now occupies the Hari Nagar address. Singh, the former WFI president, has stated that he will not discuss wrestling in relation to the office’s relocation, choosing to avoid engaging in any conversation about the sport or his past involvement.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has resumed operations from its original address at 21, Ashoka Road, a location with deep ties to its former president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Singh, a five-time Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) and a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, had been at the helm of the WFI for years before stepping down amid allegations of sexual harassment. Despite this, the WFI’s return to his old office has raised eyebrows, particularly given the ongoing legal issues surrounding Singh.
Singh’s name has become synonymous with Indian wrestling, both for his contributions to the sport and his controversial involvement in the allegations leveled against him by some of the country’s top women wrestlers. These allegations include claims of sexual harassment, which led to a high-profile trial in a Delhi court. Though Singh did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, largely due to the legal controversies surrounding him, he continues to reside in the same house on Ashoka Road when in New Delhi. Despite the public fallout, Singh’s political clout remains evident, as his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, was elected to the Lok Sabha from the family’s traditional stronghold in Kaiserganj, Uttar Pradesh.
In December 2023, the Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports suspended the WFI, citing a variety of reasons, including concerns over the leadership structure of the federation. One of the key factors that led to this suspension was the continued use of Singh’s office as the operational base for the WFI, despite the controversy surrounding him. The Sports Ministry had been vocal in its criticism of the federation’s governance, asserting that the running of the WFI from premises controlled by former office bearers, particularly Singh, raised serious questions about the independence and accountability of the federation’s activities.
Despite the suspension and the ongoing legal battles faced by Singh, the WFI’s return to Ashoka Road signals that the federation has not entirely distanced itself from its controversial past. The decision to resume operations from Singh’s former residence may be seen as a tacit endorsement of his continued influence over the body. This development has sparked a range of reactions from within the wrestling community and beyond, with critics questioning the ethics of allowing such ties to persist, particularly at a time when the federation is under scrutiny for its handling of allegations against Singh.
The legal case against Singh has cast a long shadow over the WFI’s operations. Several women wrestlers, some of whom are among the country’s best, have accused Singh of sexual harassment. These allegations have become a focal point for those advocating for reforms within Indian sports federations, pushing for greater transparency, accountability, and a commitment to protecting athletes from exploitation. The accusations have created a divide, with some defending Singh as a sports administrator who has contributed greatly to the development of wrestling in India, while others condemn his alleged actions and call for stricter measures to safeguard athletes’ rights.
The ongoing trial in the Delhi court has intensified the scrutiny of Singh’s role in Indian wrestling. Although the charges against him have been formally framed, the legal process is expected to drag on for some time, prolonging the uncertainty around the future of both Singh and the WFI. The court proceedings have become a key battleground, with those seeking justice for the victims of sexual harassment closely monitoring every development. At the same time, Singh’s supporters continue to highlight his achievements in the sport, arguing that his leadership has been instrumental in elevating India’s standing on the global wrestling stage.
However, the WFI’s return to Singh’s office at Ashoka Road raises questions about the organization’s commitment to addressing the allegations against him. Critics argue that by maintaining ties with Singh, the WFI may be signaling a lack of seriousness in confronting the issues of sexual harassment that have come to the forefront. The federation’s ability to reform itself and regain the trust of the wrestling community will depend on its willingness to break from past associations that are tainted by controversy and move toward a more transparent and accountable governance structure.
The government’s suspension of the WFI, coupled with its decision to appoint an ad-hoc committee to run the federation, was an attempt to ensure that the organization was restructured in a way that would prioritize the welfare of wrestlers and restore credibility. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has made it clear that it expects the WFI to address the concerns raised by the wrestlers, with a focus on creating a safer and more professional environment for athletes. The return to Ashoka Road, however, suggests that the WFI is not fully embracing the changes needed to rebuild trust with the wrestling community.
As the legal proceedings against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh continue, the wrestling community is left grappling with the complexities of leadership, governance, and accountability. The situation remains fluid, with many hoping that the outcome of the trial will provide clarity on Singh’s future and that of the WFI. In the meantime, the federation’s decision to return to its old office serves as a reminder of the lingering influence of past leaders, and the challenges that come with breaking free from a history marred by controversy.
For the athletes, particularly the women wrestlers who have bravely spoken out about their experiences, the road ahead remains uncertain. Their demands for justice, coupled with calls for systemic change within the WFI, will continue to drive the conversation about the future of Indian wrestling. How the federation responds to these challenges will ultimately determine whether it can move beyond its troubled past and build a more inclusive, transparent, and supportive environment for the athletes who form the heart of the sport.