News for 'Wrestling Federation of India'

Wrestling Federation Of India Announces Separate Teams For World Championships

Wrestling Federation Of India Announces Separate Teams For World Championships

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to send separate teams to the U23 Senior World Wrestling Championship and the Senior World Wrestling Championship due to the short interval between the two events, aiming to ensure optimal preparation and performance for Indian wrestlers.

Vinesh Phogat Challenges Wrestling Federation Of India's Disciplinary Action

Vinesh Phogat Challenges Wrestling Federation Of India's Disciplinary Action

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Olympian Vinesh Phogat has moved the Delhi High Court challenging two show-cause notices issued by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and subsequent disciplinary proceedings.

Wrestling Federation Of India Extends Collaboration With IIS Until 2029

Wrestling Federation Of India Extends Collaboration With IIS Until 2029

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has renewed its partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) for another three years, extending their collaboration until March 2029. This agreement will see IIS continue to support WFI's national wrestling programmes across all levels, focusing on high-performance training, sports science, and athlete development.

Pro Wrestling League Set For Grand Return In January

Pro Wrestling League Set For Grand Return In January

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is set to kick off its sixth season from January 9 to 26 next year in New Delhi, featuring 86 grapplers, including 34 international medallists. Six franchises will compete across Olympic weight categories, with Indian Asian Games medallists and Japanese Olympic champion Yui Susaki among the participants.

Doping Scandal Hits Indian Wrestling Ahead Of Asian Games

Doping Scandal Hits Indian Wrestling Ahead Of Asian Games

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Greco Roman wrestler Deepak has failed a dope test, leading to his withdrawal from the Asian Games contingent. This marks the third doping case for Indian wrestling ahead of the continental event, further reducing India's representation. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) found clomifene in his sample, a prohibited substance. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) decided to withdraw him to avoid potential penalties from the world governing body.

US Visa Woes Threaten Indian Women Wrestlers' World Championship Dreams

US Visa Woes Threaten Indian Women Wrestlers' World Championship Dreams

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is seeking urgent intervention from the US Embassy after four U23 World Championships-bound women grapplers were denied visas.

Govt lifts ban on Wrestling Federation of India

Govt lifts ban on Wrestling Federation of India

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Sports Ministry on Tuesday lifted its suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India, paving the way for the organisation of domestic tournaments.

US Visa Refusal Threatens Indian Wrestlers' World Championship Dreams

US Visa Refusal Threatens Indian Wrestlers' World Championship Dreams

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Several Indian wrestlers, including U17 World Champion Neha Sangwan, have been denied US visas for the upcoming U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, citing age and unemployment. The Wrestling Federation of India has urged the US Embassy to reconsider, highlighting that the athletes are within the U23 age group and many are still pursuing their careers.

Wrestling Federation of India to relocate office from Brij Bhushan's home

Wrestling Federation of India to relocate office from Brij Bhushan's home

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The Wrestling Federation of India said this was a temporary arrangement and the body will move to its new office in Connaught Place early next month.

Bombay High Court Backs WFI's De-affiliation Of Sharad Pawar-Led Wrestling Body

Bombay High Court Backs WFI's De-affiliation Of Sharad Pawar-Led Wrestling Body

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has upheld the Wrestling Federation of India's decision to cancel the affiliation of the Maharashtra State Wrestling Association (MSWA), led by Sharad Pawar. The MSWA had challenged the WFI's move, arguing it was illegal and arbitrary.

IOA plea to lift wrestling Federation of India's suspension

IOA plea to lift wrestling Federation of India's suspension

Rediff.com26 Aug 2023

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Friday requested the UWW to "keep in abeyance" the WFI suspension, insisting that it was making efforts to resume the election process.

Punjab and Haryana HC stays Wrestling Federation of India's polls

Punjab and Haryana HC stays Wrestling Federation of India's polls

Rediff.com11 Aug 2023

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday stayed the much-anticipated Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections slated for Saturday till further orders

WFI Seeks UIDAI's Help To Curb Age Fraud In Indian Wrestling

WFI Seeks UIDAI's Help To Curb Age Fraud In Indian Wrestling

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has formally requested the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to permanently retain Aadhaar update histories related to date-of-birth changes and to restrict such modifications after a significant period. This move is part of WFI's intensified crackdown on age fraud in wrestling, which has seen numerous disqualifications and suspensions, aiming to ensure fair play and transparency in age-group competitions.

Indian Wrestlers Face Tough Choice For World Championships

Indian Wrestlers Face Tough Choice For World Championships

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to send separate teams for the U23 and Senior World Wrestling Championships due to the short time gap between the two events, forcing wrestlers to choose which tournament to compete in. This decision aims to ensure optimal preparation and performance for both Indian teams.

India Hires Foreign Wrestling Coaches For Asian Games Prep

India Hires Foreign Wrestling Coaches For Asian Games Prep

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India has appointed three foreign coaches and a High Performance Director to enhance national camps in preparation for the Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics.

How India Dominated The U23 Asian Wrestling Championships

How India Dominated The U23 Asian Wrestling Championships

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Indian wrestlers showcased their dominance at the U23 Wrestling Asian Championships, securing multiple gold medals in both freestyle and women's categories.

Deepak Punia Shines Amidst Logistical Hurdles At Wrestling Event

Deepak Punia Shines Amidst Logistical Hurdles At Wrestling Event

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia showcased his dominance at the National Open Ranking Tournament, reaching the 92kg final without conceding a point. The event faced logistical challenges due to high participation, with weigh-ins delayed and medal rounds postponed.

Mansi, Kajal, Sumit Shine At U23 Asian Wrestling

Mansi, Kajal, Sumit Shine At U23 Asian Wrestling

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Indian wrestlers Mansi Lather, Kajal, and Sumit secured gold medals at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam, leading a strong performance by the Indian contingent.

Doping scare erupts at Wrestling Nationals

Doping scare erupts at Wrestling Nationals

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh addressed allegations of bias against Haryana wrestlers and acknowledged ongoing doping concerns after used syringes were found at the National Open Ranking Tournament.

How India Won The U23 Asian Wrestling Championship

How India Won The U23 Asian Wrestling Championship

Rediff.com27 May 2026

India's men's freestyle team emerged as champions at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships, held in Da Nang, Vietnam. The country concluded its campaign with a total of 27 medals across various categories, showcasing dominance in freestyle, women's wrestling, and Greco-Roman disciplines.

Sakshi Malik Supports Vinesh Phogat's Fight For Wrestling Return

Sakshi Malik Supports Vinesh Phogat's Fight For Wrestling Return

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Sakshi Malik supports Vinesh Phogat's wrestling comeback, criticising the WFI's strict rules and urging for relaxed norms for new mothers in sports.

Gauhati HC stays Wrestling Federation of India elections

Gauhati HC stays Wrestling Federation of India elections

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

The Gauhati High Court on Sunday stayed the Wrestling Federation of India elections, scheduled for July 11.

WFI issues strict anti-doping advisory after string of doping cases

WFI issues strict anti-doping advisory after string of doping cases

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has issued a strict anti-doping advisory after several Indian wrestlers, including two Asian Games selections, were implicated in doping and whereabouts violations. The cases, involving substances like Mephentermine and Stanozolol, have led to exclusions from major competitions and highlight a lack of awareness among athletes regarding anti-doping rules and personal responsibility.

Why WFI Allowed Vinesh Phogat To Wrestle In 53kg Trials

Why WFI Allowed Vinesh Phogat To Wrestle In 53kg Trials

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has reversed its decision and allowed Vinesh Phogat to compete in the 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials.

New WFI Policy: Asian Games Wrestlers Can Still Vie For World Championship Spots

New WFI Policy: Asian Games Wrestlers Can Still Vie For World Championship Spots

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has implemented a new two-stage trial system for the 2026 Senior World Championships. This policy allows wrestlers participating in the Asian Games to also compete for a spot in the World Championships team through a "final trial," addressing the overlap between the two major events. The first phase of trials is scheduled for September 14-15, with specific provisions for certain weight categories and U23 championships.

Top Indian Athletes Join IOA Electoral College For Athletes Commission Polls

Top Indian Athletes Join IOA Electoral College For Athletes Commission Polls

Rediff.com7 days ago

Top Indian athletes like PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, Neeru Dhanda, and Harmanpreet Singh have been nominated by their respective National Sports Federations to the electoral college for the Indian Olympic Association's Athletes Commission polls on November 3. The article details the nomination process, eligibility criteria, and the composition of the new Athletes Commission, noting the absence of some federations and the exclusion of outgoing members like Mary Kom.

PT Usha Advocates For Robust Sporting Ecosystem

PT Usha Advocates For Robust Sporting Ecosystem

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha has called for a stronger, athlete-centric sporting ecosystem, emphasising the need for robust federations, committed coaches, quality infrastructure, and effective sports science support. She highlighted that sporting excellence requires institutions that prioritise athletes and provide fair opportunities, while also congratulating recent Asian Games gold medallists.

India's Wrestlers Dominate Under-23 Asian Championships

India's Wrestlers Dominate Under-23 Asian Championships

Rediff.com23 May 2026

India's Greco-Roman wrestlers had a successful start at the U23 Asian Championships, securing five medals, including two silver and three bronze, on the opening day of the competition.

High Court Calls For Fairer WFI Maternity Policy For Athletes

High Court Calls For Fairer WFI Maternity Policy For Athletes

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has urged the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to establish clear guidelines and timelines for female athletes returning to competitive sports after maternity leave. The court's observations came during a hearing for grappler Vinesh Phogat, who is seeking permission to participate in selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships after her maternity break. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma highlighted the unfairness faced by women athletes post-childbirth and criticised the WFI's current policies, hinting at the need for a balanced framework.

Vinesh Phogat Moves Delhi HC Over World Championship Trials

Vinesh Phogat Moves Delhi HC Over World Championship Trials

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has sought WFI's response on Vinesh Phogat's plea to participate in the September 14 selection trials for the 2026 World Championship.

Wrestling Federation of India exempts Olympic quota winners from trials

Wrestling Federation of India exempts Olympic quota winners from trials

Rediff.com21 May 2024

The Wrestling Federation of India on Tuesday decided to exempt all six Olympic quota winners from selection trials.

Delhi High Court To Review WFI Policy In Vinesh Phogat Plea

Delhi High Court To Review WFI Policy In Vinesh Phogat Plea

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has stated it will examine the Wrestling Federation of India's selection policy before issuing any order on Vinesh Phogat's plea for a fair opportunity to return to competitive wrestling.

Ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan acquitted in women wrestlers' sexual harassment case

Ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan acquitted in women wrestlers' sexual harassment case

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers.

Wrestling Federation elections to be held on December 21

Wrestling Federation elections to be held on December 21

Rediff.com9 Dec 2023

'The elections of the WFI were stayed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 11.08.2023 just a day before the poll and therefore, polling could not be held on 12.08.2023... the Supreme Court has vacated the stay orders and therefore the remaining steps like polling etc. will now recommence on 21.12.2023 as per the following revised schedule.'

Where Are India's Golds? The Asian Games Questions We Aren't Asking

Where Are India's Golds? The Asian Games Questions We Aren't Asking

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

If India's medal tally ultimately falls significantly short of Hangzhou, the conversation should not stop with the athletes or coaches. It should extend to a much more uncomfortable institutional question: After years of increased investment, programmes, infrastructure and policy attention, where exactly is the system failing to convert that investment into medals, champions and depth across sports? asks Jaydeep Ray.

WFI Blocks Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback

WFI Blocks Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Vinesh Phogat's attempt to compete in the National Open Ranking tournament was rejected by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), leading to a confrontation where she alleged a 'pre-planned conspiracy' to prevent her return to wrestling.

Sports Ministry Pledges Rs 2000 Crore For Ahmedabad's 2030 Commonwealth Games

Sports Ministry Pledges Rs 2000 Crore For Ahmedabad's 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Union Sports Ministry has committed a grant-in-aid of Rs 2000 crore to the Gujarat Government for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. This funding, based on 2025 rates and expected to reach Rs 2500 crore by 2030, will be disbursed from the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) scheme. Ahmedabad won the bid last year to host the centenary edition, which is anticipated to be a grand event featuring 15 to 17 disciplines, unlike the scaled-down Glasgow Games.

When Asian Games made headlines for all the wrong reasons

When Asian Games made headlines for all the wrong reasons

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Asian Games, a major multi-sport event, has a long history of controversies extending beyond the sporting arena. From diplomatic disputes and selection rows to doping scandals and disputed decisions, these incidents have often highlighted the intersection of politics, national interests, and sports.

WFI's Aadhaar Crackdown Disqualifies Over 500 Wrestlers

WFI's Aadhaar Crackdown Disqualifies Over 500 Wrestlers

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) disqualified over 500 wrestlers from a U-17 tournament in Gonda due to age fraud, exposed by a new Aadhaar-based verification system. This stringent check revealed significant discrepancies between birth certificates and Aadhaar records, with WFI vowing to continue this crackdown to ensure fair play in age-group competitions.

Why Vinesh Phogat Is Ineligible For Domestic Wrestling Events

Why Vinesh Phogat Is Ineligible For Domestic Wrestling Events

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, citing indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations, rendering her ineligible for domestic competitions until June 2026.