In the midst of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) activities suspension by the Centre, Haryana MLA Abhay Singh Chautala addressed the controversial statement made by BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Responding to Singh’s assertion of continued dominance, Chautala, an INLD leader, stated, “Jab Hariyane wale khunta dal dete hain to acche acche dabdabe ud jate hain (When people from Haryana intervene, the dominance of many is blown away).” He suggested that Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik’s criticism of a recent move in WFI may have prompted the Centre’s intervention.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, previously WFI chief and facing sexual harassment allegations, welcomed the election of his associate Sanjay Singh to the top post in the wrestling body. Singh, a six-time BJP MP, expressed confidence that his “dabdaba (dominance)” would persist, indicating his influence over the federation.
जब हरियाणे आले खूँटा डाल देते हैं तो अच्छे अच्छे 'दबदबे' उखड़ जाते हैं।#WrestlingFederation
— Abhay Singh Chautala (@AbhaySChautala) December 24, 2023
The election outcome and Singh’s remarks triggered strong reactions from prominent wrestlers such as Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, who led protests against him. Malik announced her retirement from the sport, raising concerns about the environment for junior women wrestlers in competitions, particularly in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, where Singh has influence.
Following the election, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports directed WFI to suspend its activities, criticizing the hasty announcement of the junior nationals.
The ministry observed that the newly elected body seemed to be under the control of former office bearers, disregarding the Sports Code.
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Amidst these developments, Abhay Singh Chautala, using the hashtag “WrestlingFederation,” shared his response to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s claims. Meanwhile, Singh has stated that he has retired from wrestling and distanced himself from the federation’s activities, focusing on preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.”
