National Games 2023: IOA Ad-Hoc Panel Rejects Entries from Rajasthan State Wrestling Association

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc committee has rejected the entries sent by the Rajasthan State Wrestling Association to represent the State in the ongoing National Games 2023 being held at Goa.

Earlier, the ad-hoc committee sent emails regarding the selection criteria for wrestlers and the Rajasthan State Wrestling Association was also marked in the emails. The Association sent its entries after trials were held in October. Soon after the entries were rejected by the ad-hoc committee headed by Bhupendra Singh Bajwa, the Association filed a writ petition before the Delhi High Court.[1]

The IOA placed reliance on the order dated August 11, 2023, passed by the Rajasthan High Court. In this case, the plea was against the Returning Officer’s order, holding that the said Association was entitled to represent the interest of wrestlers in Rajasthan.[2] However, the Rajasthan High Court only stayed the order of the Department of Youth and Sports, and the other issue was still undecided.

To avoid conflicting orders, the Delhi High Court suggested the petitioner to obtain a clarification and appropriate direction from the Rajasthan High Court. The petitioner accepted this suggestion and approached the Rajasthan High Court, which, vide order dated November 2, 2023, ruled against the petitioner, and clarified that by its August decision, the operation of the Returning Officer’s order was stayed.

The matter will be heard next on December 8, 2023.

[1] Rajasthan State Wrestling Association vs. Union of India & Ors. [WP(C) No.14084/ 2023]

[2] S.B. Civil Writ Petition No.12245/2023