The long-delayed elections for the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will finally take place today, December 21. This announcement came after multiple postponements amid serious allegations of sexual harassment against outgoing chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.WFI elections to take place todayJustice (Retd.) Mahesh Mittal Kumar, the returning officer, issued a notification last Saturday confirming the new date. This followed the Supreme Courts decision to vacate a stay order that had blocked the electoral process. Originally set for August 11, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had halted polling based on a petition filed by the Haryana faction over voting rights.What is the Supreme Courts stance on WFI electionsOn November 28th, the Supreme Court paved the way for elections by arguing that allowing the polls to proceed would be the proper course, making the results contingent on the outcome of legal petitions.The failure to conduct timely elections led to WFIs suspension by United World Wrestling (UWW) - the sports global body - in late August. This resulted in Indian wrestlers being forced to compete as neutral athletes in the Belgrade World Championships and other major events. The suspension remains in place and would only lift after successful elections.The entire election process will adhere to WFIs ratified constitution and guidelines issued by Indias Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Justice Kumar stated. However, the final result awaits judgement on a pending case in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.Why WFI elections were delayedElections have faced multiple delays as star Indian wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Malikkh levelled serious charges of sexual harassment against the outgoing WFI President.Who are eligible candidates for top postWith Brij Bhushan ineligible to contest after serving three terms, the presidential race is between his loyalist Sanjay Singh and former Commonwealth gold medallist Anita Sheoran. Sheoran was a key witness against Brij Bhushan in the harassment allegations. The contest for Secretary-General is between Prem Chand Lochab of Railways Sports Board and Darshan Lal from the Chandigarh unit.
