Ahead of WFI elections, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia return to India

Olympic wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have completed their respective training camps in Budapest and Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, and are now back in their home country of India.

Bajrang's return date was set for August 5–6, however, he actually returned early.

A source said that both the wrestlers are well aware of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, scheduled for August 12, and want to keep a close watch as Anita Sheoran, a wrestler from Haryana, filed her candidature for the vacant president's post.

The 38-year-old grappler, who won a Commonwealth Games gold medal back in 2010, is reportedly one of the four candidates contesting for the president's role. She is also the only female to be running for the top position.

According to reports, Anita is also a key witness in the sexual harassment case against outgoing chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

"Yes, both the wrestlers have come back as their training camps got over," sources close to wrestlers said. Asked if the WFI election is also the reason, the source neither denied it nor confirmed it.

Earlier, returning officer Justice MM Kumar stated about the nominations, which were filed on July 31.

"Against 15 posts, 30 persons have applied. There are four candidates for president's post, three for senior vice-president, six for vice-president, three for secretary-general, two for treasurer, three for joint secretary and nine for executive members," Kumar had said.


With inputs from IANS 

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