Olive branch: Clean-up in WFI, no Brij Bhushan; wrestlers to have a say

It is learnt that the government assured the wrestlers that no one from Singh’s family will be allowed to contest the upcoming WFI elections. And, more importantly, the “opinion” of the three protesting wrestlers – Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat – will be considered in deciding who occupies the key posts of president, general secretary and treasurer.

Speaking after the meeting, Thakur flagged this change. “The WFI elections should be conducted by June 30 and WFI’s Internal Complaints Committee be set up with a woman as head. After the elections, WFI should function as a good federation with good office-bearers. Players’ opinions should be taken in this regard,” he said.

Having completed 12 years as WFI president Singh was not in the fray for another term because of the tenure cap outlined by the National Sports Code. However, following Wednesday’s meeting, doors are now firmly shut on even Singh’s family members or close associates.

Brij Bhushan’s son Karan Bhushan was the vice-president of the WFI before the executive council was dissolved by the government in April. His son-in-law Vishal Singh is the president of the Bihar Wrestling Association. WFI joint secretary Aditya Pratap Singh, too, is Brij Bhushan’s son-in-law.

“Former president Brij Bhushan Singh, who has completed three terms, and those close to him, should not be elected, the wrestlers had demanded,” Thakur said after the meeting, adding that there was an agreement on this.