New Delhi: In a momentous turn of events, Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, BJP MP, and former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has secured victory as the newly elected president of the esteemed wrestling body. The election unfolded amidst controversy and sexual harassment allegations against Mr Singh, bringing intense scrutiny to the proceedings.Electoral victorySanjay Singh clinched a resounding victory with 40 out of 47 votes, prevailing over Anita Sheoran, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist. Notably, Sheoran had garnered support from top wrestlers who had taken to the streets to protest the sexual harassment allegations against Mr Singh. The six-time MP from Uttar Pradeshs Kaiserganj, who had led the wrestling body for 12 years, faced a formidable challenge during the election.Who is Sanjay SinghBefore ascending to the presidency, Sanjay Singh served as the vice-president of the Uttar Pradesh wrestling body and held the position of joint secretary at WFI since 2019. This victory positions him at the helm of the wrestling federation, marking a significant transition for the organization.Meanwhile, in a parallel development, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, contending for the vice-president post, faced defeat in the elections, adding another layer of political coplexity to the proceedings.How does the electoral landscape looks nowThe elections encompassed various key positions, including senior vice-president, four vice-presidents, a secretary-general, a treasurer, two joint secretaries, and five executive members. Amid assurances that family members or aides of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh would not participate, Sanjay Singhs nomination received clearance, paving the way for his contested victory.Wrestlers cite bias within federationProminent wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, who had spearheaded the protest against Mr Singh, expressed concerns about potential bias within the federation. However, assurances were given that the election outcome would not result in injustice against any woman wrestler.Election proceedingsThe election process, initiated in July, faced delays due to court cases, prompting the international wrestling body to suspend WFI temporarily. Recent intervention by the Supreme Court, setting aside a stay imposed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, facilitated the resumption of the electoral process.Post-election reflectionsFollowing his victory, Sanjay Singh celebrated the triumph as a very big victory of truth over lies, vehemently denying the allegations leveled against him. Responding to queries about his proximity to the BJP MP, Singh affirmed his closeness, emphasizing the political dynamics at play.What lies ahead for the federationAmidst the jubilation, questions loom about how the federation will function under the new leadership. Sanjay Singh assured that there would be no injustice against any woman wrestler, seeking to allay concerns within the wrestling community.In conclusion, the wrestling fraternity undergoes a significant transition with Sanjay Singh assuming the presidency. The electoral process, despite its challenges, underscores the resilience of the sport and sets the stage for a new chapter in the Wrestling Federation of Indias history.
