New Delhi:

The highest posts of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which hit headlines over sexual harassment allegations towards its chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, are set to go to polls right this moment. The competition for the president put up is between Sanjay Singh, mentioned to be near Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and Commonwealth Video games gold medallist Anita Sheoran.

Apart from the highest put up, polls shall be maintain to replenish posts for a senior vice-president, 4 vice-presidents, a secretary normal, a treasurer, two joint secretaries and 5 govt members. Apparently, one of many candidates for the vice-president put up is newly appointed Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and a former wrestler – Mohan Yadav.

At present’s election will give the nation’s prime wrestling physique a brand new president after 12 years of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh occupying the highest put up. The BJP MP from Kaiserganj needed to step apart after the nation’s prime wrestlers led a protest, accusing him of sexually harassing ladies wrestlers.

Ace wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, who led the agitation, had been promised that none of Brij Bhushan Singh’s relations or aides shall be allowed to contest the elections. So, Brij Bhushan’s son Prateek and son-in-law Vishal Singh didn’t enter the race, however his aide Sanjay Singh’s nomination was cleared.

Ms Sheoran, alternatively, is backed by wrestlers who participated within the protest towards the long-time WFI president.

In accordance with Sanjay Singh and his associates, they’ve the assist of wrestling federations from most states and are assured of a victory. The wrestling fraternity, he mentioned, is aware of who labored for the betterment of sports activities and can maintain it in thoughts whereas casting their vote. “I’m profitable his election,” he advised NDTV, beaming with confidence.

Requested about Mr Yadav contesting the election, he mentioned, “The truth that a wrestler has risen to turn into a Chief Minister of a state is an enormous message. I’m positive he’ll win right here too.”

The method for the WFI election started in July, however court docket circumstances stored delaying it. This led to the worldwide wrestling physique suspending WFI. The Supreme Court docket just lately put aside a keep imposed by the Punjab and Haryana Excessive Court docket, clearing the decks for the polls.