It's an unending trouble for the new WFI Chief Sanjay Singh, as the Union Sports Ministry has suspended the Wrestling Federation of India body under the leadership of newly elected president Sanjay Singh.

The Sports Ministry also asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to constitute an ad-hoc body to control and manage the affairs of WFI.

The Ministry announced its decision in an official release on December 24 citing hasty decisions by the newly elected body and that it has shown complete disregard for the existing rules and regulations.

Reacting to the development, Mr. Sanjay Singh said the WFI will seek revocation of its suspension by explaining to the government that it has not flouted any rules while taking decisions and if the issue is not resolved, it may explore legal options.

“We are seeking time from the sports minister and request that the suspension be lifted. If the issue is not resolved through dialogue, we could explore legal options,” Mr. Sanjay Singh told PTI.

“We will explain that we have followed rules in taking decisions. We will present the proofs. Whatever decisions were taken, were taken by consensus. It was not my personal decision. 24 state associations had given affidavits and we have got emails, we have everything in writing,” the sports administrator added.

Meanwhile, Sakshi Malik, one of the prominent faces of the agitation against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, welcomed the WFI’s suspension.

“It is the first step towards something good happening. I hope the government understands more for what cause we were fighting,” said Ms. Malik.

“If a woman federation president is there, it will be better for the safety of women wrestlers. It was a fight for sisters and daughters of the country,” she added.

Bajrang Punia, who had returned his Padma Shri medallion to the government on Friday in protest over the election Mr. Sanjay Singh as WFI President, said he won’t take back his award.

“I will think about taking it back only after justice is delivered. The matter is in court and we are waiting for justice,” he added.