Page 6 - Wrestling Federation Of India

Court grants Bajrang Punia exemption from appearance in defamation case

A Delhi court Wednesday granted wrestler Bajrang Punia exemption from personal appearance for the day in a criminal defamation complaint filed against him by wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya. Metropolitan Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal, who had summoned Punia before the court today, granted him the relief after his lawyer sought exemption on medical ground, claiming the wrestler was unable to appear since he was suffering from fever. The court noted the submissions and adjourned the matter for September 14. The judge also directed the complainant to supply copy of the complaint to Punia's lawyer. The court had summoned the wrestler, holding it was of the prima facie view that all ingredients of defamation were made out against him. The complainant has claimed that Punia, along with other wrestlers/persons, made defamatory remarks against him at a press conference at Jantar Mantar on May 10 during a protest against alleged sexual harassment of some women wrestlers by the outgoing Wrestlin

WFI elections: SC refuses to interfere with Punjab and Haryana HC order

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to interfere with the Punjab and Haryana High Court order staying the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal asked the petitioner, Andhra Pradesh Amateur Wrestling Association to approach the high court with its grievances. Why should we entertain this ? You go to the high courtInstead of applying for vacating the interim stay, the petitioner has chosen to approach the Supreme Court. We, therefore, decline to entertain this special leave petition, the bench said. The top court was hearing a plea by the Andhra Pradesh Amateur Wrestling Association against the August 11 order of the high court.

Wrestling: Aman Sehrawat gets World C'ship berth, Deepak Punia skips trials

Aman Sehrawat asserted his supremacy in the men's 57kg free-style category as he clinched a World Championship berth while seasoned Olympian Deepak Punia skipped the national trials, here on Saturday. Aman defeated Atish Todkar in the final to make it double joy for him this year. Besides Aman, Akash Dahiya will be representing India in the 61kg after getting the better of Neeraj, while Anuj Kumar will be seen in action in the 65kg category, where Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia ply his trade. Bajrang had already decided to skip the world trials to train abroad for the Asian Games. Bajrang, his close aide Jitender Kinha and Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik's husband Satyawart Kadian, all those, who were a part of the sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar demanding arrest of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on allegations of sexual harassment, didn't take part in the trials. But it turned out to be a double whammy for Vishal Kaliraman as his dreams of representing the country in

Ex-chief Brij Bhushan, Vinesh Phogat blame each other for WFI suspension

Outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, currently fighting sexual harassment charges levelled by women wrestlers, and celebrated grappler Vinesh Phogat on Saturday blamed each other for the national federation's suspension by UWW on account of not holding elections within 45 days. The WFI elections were supposed to be held on August 12 but the Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed the polls, acting on a petition filed by Haryana Wrestling Association (HWA). On Thursday, United World Wrestling (UWW) suspended WFI as a result of which Indian grapplers won't be able to compete at next month's World Championship under national flag. It was on Friday that double world championship medallist Vinesh, who spearheaded a sit-on protest at Jantar Mantar for more than one month demanding Brij Bhushan's arrest, took to 'X', formerly Twitter, to accuse the outgoing WFI chief for bringing ignominy to the national federation. She also called him a "mafia". "If one makes correct assessment of

Brij Bhushan touched breasts of woman wrestler on false pretext: Counsel

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal heard the arguments advanced by the senior advocate Rebecca John for the women wrestlers

WFI suspension: It will hugely impact Asian Games medal prospects - Kartar

Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt on Thursday termed the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India by the international body as "very distressing", while two-time Asian Games gold winner Kartar Singh said it will have "huge ramifications" on India's prospects in major international tournaments. UWW, the world governing body for wrestling, on Wednesday suspended the WFI for not conducting its elections on time, a development which will not allow Indian grapplers to compete at the upcoming World Championships under the Indian flag. The Indian wrestlers will have to compete as 'neutral athletes' at the Olympic-qualifying World Championships, starting September 16 as the ad-hoc panel, led by Bhupender Singh Bajwa, did not honour the 45-day deadline for conducting the elections. Terming the developments as "sad", Yogeshwar hoped a quick solution could be found to the crisis. "It is a very sad thing for Indians in general and wrestlers in particular. If we talk about wrestling in th

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Wrestling trials for World Championships to go ahead on Aug 25-26: Bajwa

The trials to select the Indian wrestling team for the upcoming World Championships will go ahead as scheduled on August 25-26 despite the world governing body of the sport (UWW) suspending the WFI for not conducting elections on time. The United World Wrestling (UWW) on Wednesday suspended the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for not conducting its elections within the mandated 45 days, which meant that the Indian grapplers will not be able to compete in the Worlds in Belgrade from September 16 under the Indian flag. IOA-constituted ad-hoc panel chief Bhupender Singh Bajwa told PTI that the trials will be held as per schedule on Friday and Saturday in Patiala in all 10 weight categories in the men's freestyle, greco-roman and women's section. "(The trials will go ahead), as per schedule," Bajwa told PTI on Thursday. He, however, declined to say whether a new circular will be issued in this regard in the wake of the latest developments. Another ad-hoc committee member Gian Sing

WFI suspended! Here's why global wrestling body revoked India's membership

This means Indian grapplers will not compete at the World Championships in Belgrade under the Indian flag.

Sports ministry okays wrestlers Bajrang and Deepak's foreign training

The Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has cleared wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Deeepak Punia's proposals to miss the World Championships trials and train abroad till the Asian Games, after receiving desired fitness certificates from the two athletes. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) wanted Olympic-medallist wrestler Bajrang to attend the trials for the World Championships or provide fitness certificate, if he wants exemption from this week's exercise in Patiala. Bajrang wanted to skip the trials for the World Championships on August 25 and 26 and train at a foreign location to prepare for the Asian Games in Hangzhou beginning September 23. Bajrang, one of the six wrestlers to sit in protest at the Jantar Mantar against outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and Commonwealth Games gold-medal winner Deepak Punia (86kg), are not keen to compete in the World Championships in Belgrade from September 16, and instead want to undergo long training stints to prepare of th

Antim Panghal determined to shine in Asian Games, World Championships

Young wrestler Antim Panghal, who challenged stalwart Vinesh Phogat in the Asian Games trials, is determined to prove a point in the continental showpiece and the subsequent World Championships. Panghal, who competes in 53kg in women's freestyle event, challenged Vinesh after the latter was handed a direct entry into the Asian Games squad by the Indian Olympic Association-instituted ad-hoc committee, which is currently running the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). However, Vinesh withdrew from the Asian Games a few days back because of a knee injury for which she underwent a surgery in Mumbai, paving the way for Panghal's inclusion in the Hangzhou-bound team. "My joy was amplified when I learned that I've been selected for the Asian Games, as Vinesh di (Vinesh Phogat) had a knee injury, and I was on standby," Panghal told reporters here on Sunday after returning from a phenomenal campaign at the U-20 Women's Wrestling World Championships in Amman, Jordan. "I'm overjoyed with thi

Wrestlers' sexual harassment case: Delhi court to hear matter on Aug 26

A Delhi court will resume hearing on August 26 the arguments on whether to frame charges against former WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in an alleged sexual harassment case lodged against him by women wrestlers. The matter, which was scheduled to be taken up for hearing on Saturday, was adjourned for a week because the judge hearing it was on leave. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal had on July 20 granted bail to Singh, along with suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) assistant secretary Vinod Tomar. The Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet against the six-time MP on June 15 under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Wrestler Vinesh undergoes knee surgery in Mumbai, vows to come back strong

Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who pulled out of Asian Games due to a knee injury, on Thursday underwent a surgery in Mumbai and vowed to come back stronger. Phogat, who was at the forefront of the protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, had got a direct entry to the Hangzhou Asian Games but suffered an injury while training on August 13. Phogat posted a picture on X, formerly twitter, with her doctor Dinshaw Pardiwala, who operated on her left knee. "Whenever I have fallen, you have stood by my side against all odds. Just like my faith in god, my faith in you is beyond measurable. Today I look at you as not just my doctor but someone I look up to for life-advice," she wrote. "Every conversation with you gives me confidence, hopefulness and clarity. I thank you with everything sir. "I'm sure we will bounce back stronger than before and look back at this period as a small stepping stone to what waits ahead," she added.

Difficult to focus on wrestling when sports' future is at stake: Bajrang

After calling off the protest, we wanted to give 100 per cent to training, but how is that possible when we got to know Brijbhushan's people could run the federation again, says Bajrang Punia

Ad-hoc body not to change criteria for Worlds trials after injury to Vinesh

The IOA-constituted ad-hoc committee for wrestling has decided not alter the criteria for the upcoming trials to select the team for the next month's World Championships in Belgrade. The trial to select the team for the Worlds, which commence on September 16, will be held in Patiala on August 25-26. "The trials for the Worlds will be conducted in Patiala as per the schedule announced two back back in all 10 weight categories in men's freestyle, greco-roman and women's wrestling," said an ad-hoc committee member on condition of anonymity on Wednesday. There was speculation that with Vinesh Phogat (53kg) pulling out of the Hangzhou Asian Games due to a knee injury and the Worlds trials, the ad-hoc panel might only conduct the exercise in four non-Olympic categories. There are 10 weight categories in wrestling -- six Olympic and four non-Olympic -- and the trials in the former had been conducted on July 22-23 in New Delhi to select the team for the Asian Games in Hangzhou. Several ..

Punjab and Haryana HC stays Aug 12 WFI polls until further orders

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday stayed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections slated for August 12 until further orders. The order came on a petition filed by the Haryana Wrestling Association challenging the move to allow the Haryana Amateur Wrestling Association to cast votes in the polls. Advocate Ravinder Malik, representing Haryana Wrestling Association (HWA), which is headed by MP Deepinder Hooda said Haryana Wrestling association is a registered society in the state of Haryana and is affiliated to the WFI. According to the election rules and constitution of the WFI, any registered affiliated body can send two representatives to cast their votes for the polls, he stated. He said that one more body, the Haryana Amateur Wrestling Association has claimed that it was affiliated to the WFI as well as the Haryana Olympic Association. Haryana Amateur Wrestling Association further claimed that the HWA has no business to participate in the election process beca

WFI Elections: Final list of candidates out; eyes on Anita, Kartar, Lochab

Former Indian wrestling great Kartar Singh is among five candidates in the fray for four vice-presidential posts in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, scheduled on August 12. Kartar, the two-time Asian Games gold medallist (1978 Bangkok and 1986 Seoul)is a former WFI secretary-general with years of administrative experience and is in the fray along with Asit Kumar Saha (Bengal), Jai Prakash (Delhi), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh) and N Phoni (Manipur). The contest for the post of president will be between outgoing WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh-loyalist Sanjay Kumar Singh (Uttar Pradesh) and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran. The 38-year-old Sheoran, it is learnt, has the backing of the six wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, who led the protests against Brij Bhushan at Jantar Mantar here. Sheoran, interestingly, is also a witness against Brij Bhushan in the sexual harassment case. As per the official list .

WFI Elections: Its wrestler Anita vs Sanjay Singh for president's post

Either Sanjay Kumar Singh or 2010 CWG champion Anita Sheoran will become the next WFI President as it has become a two-way contest for the top post following withdrawal of other candidates. UP Association Vice President Sanjay is an outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist while Anita is the lone woman in the fray for the August 12 polls. Anita filed her nomination as representative of the Odisha unit even as she is from Haryana and employed with the state police. Two other candidates in the fray for the top post, Dushyant Sharma (J&K) and another Brij Bhushan loyalist Jai Prakash (Delhi Wrestling Association President) withdrew their nominations on Saturday, according to source in the IOA ad-hoc committee. The Returning Officer for the polls, former J&K High Court Judge Mahesh Mittal Kumar, will officially announce the final list of candidates in the fray on August 7. Elections will be held for the posts of president (1), senior vice-president (1), vice-president

Wrestling: Trials for World C'ships likely after WFI officials take charge

The IOA-constituted ad-hoc committee for wrestling will likely leave the job of organising trials for the World Championships to the elected WFI office-bearers, and is planning to "issue a directive" in a day or two. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will elect its new office-bearers on August 12, which would leave only four days for them to organise the Worlds trials and send the entries, which close on August 16. The World Championships will be held in Belgrade from September 16-24 where 90 quota places for the 2024 Paris Olympics will be at stake. The ad-hoc panel was initially planning to organise the trials around August 10 and issue a notification between August 1-3. However, a source close to the ad-hoc committee members said on condition of anonymity on Thursday that most of the panel members want the elected WFI office-bearers to organise the trials "to avoid more controversy". "The ad-hoc panel is planning to hand over the task of organising trials to the elected b

Court to start hearing arguments on charge against WFI ex-chief on Aug 9

A Delhi court will start hearing on August 9 arguments on the charges likely to be framed against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a case of alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal on Thursday fixed August 9, 10 and 11 for arguments on charge after Advocate Rajeev Mohan, appearing for Singh, submitted verification of the documents provided by Delhi police, including the charge sheet, are complete. The counsel said though he has sought better pictures/copy of certain documents, he can take their soft copies from the Investigation Officer (IO). During the proceedings, Singh and co-accused and suspended WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar appeared before the court. The judge had on July 28 granted Singh exemption from personal appearance for the day after his lawyer submitted he was unable to appear before the court as he was busy discharging his responsibiliti