Brij Bhushan loyalist Sanjay Singh on Thursday became the new president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). His panel comfortably won 13 out of the 15 posts in the delayed polls, while he secured 40 votes against seven that his rival and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran got.
His victory triggered outrage among protesting wrestlers with Sakshi Malik announcing her retirement from the sport in tears on live television.
Outgoing president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Sanjay have known each other for three decades through family ties. It is expected that the new chief will consult the BJP MP, who is an influential name in wrestling circles and is, at present, facing charges of sexual harassment.
Who is Sanjay Singh?
The RSS-affiliated Sanjay Singh is the vice-president of the UP Wrestling Association and hails from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home constituency of Varanasi. Part of the Brij Bhushan faction, he runs a construction business. His previous posts have been in the executive council of the WFI while he has also been the national federation’s joint secretary since 2019.
Widely known as ‘Bablu’ in wrestling circles, he was born into a business family and told The Quint that his father Nand Lal Singh would hold wrestling matches in his village. Before joining the WFI, he was associated with local wrestling competitions.
Part of the old guard
According to reports, he has played an important role in bringing women wrestlers of the UP’s Purvanchal region to the fore. About his ally, Brij Bhushan told PTI: “11 months later, today is the election. In the election, Sanjay Singh, in a way, can be described as a representative of the old federation.”
“Sanjay Singh is sure to win the election, ensuring the formation of a new federation for the children. I urge them to create a conducive sports environment as soon as possible and compensate for any losses,” he added.
Comments
0 comment