NEW DELHI: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Tuesday justified the delay in conducting the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, stating that the selection trials for junior wrestlers took precedence for the national sports governing body.
In April, the IOA had announced the formation of a three-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the daily operations of the federation and conduct WFI elections within 45 days. However, the appointment of the third member, a retired high court judge, to initiate the election process is still pending.
Bhupender Singh Bajwa and Suma Shirur currently make up the two-member ad-hoc committee, which assumed responsibility on May 4 and is involved in the federation's activities.
The ad-hoc committee is primarily focused on organising the selection trials for under-15 and under-20 wrestlers for the Asian Championship.
The deadline for holding the WFI elections is set to expire on June 17, within the 45-day timeframe mentioned by the IOA.
"For betterment of kids we prioritised the trials rather than elections of WFI. If we concentrate on elections, the trials will be compromised," Usha told PTI on Tuesday during her visit to the SAI Centre in Sonepat where the trials are being conducted.
"We don't want to sacrifice the betterment of our kids and we want them to get a fair opportunity to represent on the international podium."
She, however, said dates for the election of the WFI will be announced soon.
"The name of the third member of the ad-hoc committee and election dates will be announced soon and we will try to do it with the given deadline of 45 days," she added without elaborating how the 45 days deadline will be met.
United World Wrestling (UWW), the sports governing body, had given a veiled threat that India could be suspended if the time-line of 45 days was not respected.
"I am very happy that there have been successful open trials under ad-hoc committee, 2500 participants are there, everyone got the opportunity."
Bajwa told PTI that the appointment of the third member of the ad hoc committee to initiate the election process of WFI was not in his hands and it was to be done by the IOA only.
"The two members are running the WFI and holding selection trials to pick teams for international events. Appointment of a retired high court judge as third member for the WFI elections is not our job. Only IOA can do that," Bajwa said.
Sources in the IOA said, the apex sports body is waiting for an end to the wrestling controversy before going ahead with the election process.
"IOA is waiting for the final outcome of this controversy surrounding the wrestlers. Once this matter is settled, the ad hoc body will announce WFI elections," the source said.
(With PTI inputs)
