WFI seeks audit of bank account operated by ad hoc committee

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has requested the Indian Olympic Association to audit the bank account operated by the ad hoc committee that was appointed to run the sport.

In addition to sponsorship funds, the ad-hoc committee also collected entry fees from participants during selection trials. Moreover the committee generated funds for organizing senior national championships in Jaipur. Throughout this period, the ad-hoc committee operated a bank account in the name of WFI — Sanjay Singh, WFI President

The ad hoc panel led by IOA executive committee member Bhupinder Singh Bajwa was first appointed after many wrestlers, led by Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, protested against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations in January 2023.

Since then, the ad hoc body held trials for the U-15, U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams apart from selecting the squads for the Asian Games, and Asian and World Championships.

In a letter addressed to IOA president PT Usha, WFI chief Sanjay Singh has asked for the full audited statement of the account which was being run by the ad hoc body. Singh has stated that the ad hoc body has collected funds from the sports ministry and from various sponsors.

“… In addition to sponsorship funds, the ad-hoc committee also collected entry fees from participants during selection trials. Moreover the committee generated funds for organizing senior national championships in Jaipur. Throughout this period, the ad-hoc committee operated a bank account in the name of WFI,” Singh wrote in his letter.

“In light of the above, we kindly request IOA to provide the audited statement of account for the period from May 2023 to March 2024 at the earliest,” he added.

Interestingly, Singh’s letter was a reply to an IOA letter, which announced the dissolution of the ad hoc panel and sought repayment of the loan provided by the IOA to the ad hoc panel for managing WFI’s operations.

The IOA president, currently out of town, will decide what action needs to be taken soon. A source in know of the development said that the request from Singh was a valid one as government rules stipulate such measures.

“The ad hoc panel received funds in excess of Rs 1 crore and government rules mandate that the account has to be audited. Let’s see what the IOA decides,” said a source close to the WFI.