‘Backing Brij Bhushan’: Delhi wrestling chief in fray for WFI elections

Jai Prakash, the Delhi Amateur Wrestling Association chief, has thrown his hat in the ring for the post of president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in the elections slated to be held in the Capital on August 12.

The elections are being held at the direction of the Supreme Court after Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was removed from the post following protests from some of country’s top wrestlers over allegations of sexual harassment. Delhi Police have also filed a chargesheet.

However, Jai Prakash, who is one of the three candidates in fray, made it clear that they are behind Brij Bhushan.

“We are fully supporting Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Our priority is to ensure that wrestling goes on smoothly. These elections are being held by the order of Supreme Court, therefore I had to throw in my hat in the ring. No matter who stands against us in the elections, we are confident of winning,” said Jai Prakash to Patriot on Tuesday.

Apart from Jai Prakash, Sanjay Singh of the Uttar Pradesh wrestling body and former wrestler and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran, who is nominated from Odisha, are also in fray.

While Singh is part of the Brij Bhushan team, Anita has the backing of protesting wrestlers. She was also one of the witnesses in the alleged sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan.

The elections to 15 posts will be held at the IOA (Indian Olympic Association) Bhawan.

The posts to be contested include President, Senior Vice-President (both one post each), Vice-President (4), Secretary-General (1), Treasurer (1), Joint-Secretary (2) and EC members (5).

There are 50 voters with each of 25 member states getting two representatives.