Sanjay Kumar Singh Bablu, the newly elected president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is a prominent figure deeply entrenched in the Indian wrestling community, have a look at his biography
The ascent of Sanjay Kumar Singh to the presidency follows closely in the footsteps of his predecessor, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, to whom he has been a close aide for an extended period.
Who is Sanjay Kumar Singh aka Bablu new Wrestling Federation of India President, biography, family and hometown state
#SakshiMalik
Sakshi Malik has announced her retirement from wrestling, as the Olympic medallist confirmed she would not compete under newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India president, Sanjay Kumar Singh – who is a close associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. pic.twitter.com/KByfEdjXoQ— India Our Home (@IndiaOurHome1) December 21, 2023
WHO IS SANJAY SINGH?
He is the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association vice-president Sanjay Kumar Singh and a loyalist of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing president who is accused of sexual harassment. He is pitted against former Commonwealth Games gold medalist grappler… pic.twitter.com/f8LfsUqSzU— nnis (@nnis_sports) December 21, 2023
Hailing from a background steeped in wrestling, Sanjay Singh’s journey in the sport spans over a decade, marked by significant contributions to the WFI.
Singh, who was born into a business family revealed that his father Nand Lal Singh used to organise wrestling matches in his village that piqued his interest in the sport.
Before he joined WFI, Singh was affiliated with local wrestling competitions and was the District President of the Varanasi Wrestling Association in 2008. When the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association was formed in 2009, Brij Bhushan became the state president and Sanjay Singh was the vice president and in an interview with BBC, Singh said, “Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and we have family ties and we have been close to each other for the last three decades.”
His ties with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh are evident not just through official channels but are also prominently showcased on his social media accounts.
These platforms highlight the camaraderie and alliance between the two, offering a glimpse into the strong professional bond they share.
Sanjay Singh is a part of the Brij Bhushan Singh faction. He is the UP Wrestling Association’s Vice President and hailing from Varanasi’s Jhhansi village, Singh has served as the WFI’s previous executive council. He has also been the national federation’s joint secretary since 2019 and Singh is widely known as ‘Bablu’ in the wrestling circles.
Sanjay Singh’s involvement in the wrestling fraternity extends beyond mere camaraderie; it is deeply rooted in his active participation and leadership roles within the sport. As the vice president of the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association, he has played a crucial role in the administration of wrestling at the regional level.
This regional leadership underscores his commitment to the development and promotion of wrestling by showcasing a dedication that has now culminated in his presidency at the national level.
His association with the WFI dates back several years, marking a consistent and enduring involvement in the organization. Sanjay Singh was not merely an outsider vying for the top position; he has been an integral part of the WFI’s executive council, bringing with him a wealth of experience and understanding of the intricacies of wrestling administration.
This wealth of experience positions him as a seasoned leader, well-versed in the challenges and opportunities that come with steering a national sports federation.
In 2019, Sanjay Kumar Singh was appointed as the joint secretary of the WFI. This position further solidified his role within the WFI’s administrative hierarchy, providing him with insights into the day-to-day operations and decision-making processes of the organization.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former WFI president has been an influential figure in the journey of Sanjay Kumar Singh. The close ties between the two are not only political but also reflect a shared vision for the development and progress of wrestling in India.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, while stepping down from the presidency, expressed unwavering support for Sanjay Singh’s candidacy, endorsing him as a representative of the old federation and predicting a victory that would pave the way for a new era in Indian wrestling.
However, Sanjay Singh’s elevation to the presidency has not been without controversy. The protesting wrestlers, including notable names like Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, have raised objections to his candidature. Their opposition stems from concerns about continuity from the previous regime, especially given Sanjay Singh’s close association with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The wrestlers had hoped for a clean break from the past, seeking assurances that neither Brij Bhushan nor his associates would hold positions in the WFI.