Wrestlers' Protest: WFI elections to take place on July 4, returning officer appointed

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed its plan to hold the impending elections of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on July 4.

To oversee the proceedings and ensure fair polls, former Jammu & Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Mahesh Mittal Kumar has been appointed as the returning officer.

In its letter to Justice Mahesh Mittal Kumar, the Indian Olympic Association wrote, "IOA has to take steps forward to conduct elections of the WFI Executive Committee and we are pleased to appoint you as a returning officer to conduct the elections of the WFI. You may consider appointing one assistant returning officer and other staff to assist in conducting the elections."

While the SGM and elections date, for now, has been set for July 4, sources suggest that Justice Mittal Kumar has the authority to determine whether to hold the polls on that date or postpone them.

On April 27, the Indian Olympic Association had established an ad-hoc committee, consisting of three members, to oversee the daily operations of the Wrestling Federation as directed by the Sports Ministry.

The protesting wrestlers have been demanding fair polls to choose the successor to BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment.

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