New Delhi | In a major disciplinary action aimed at tackling age fraud in Indian wrestling, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has suspended five wrestlers for four years after an investigation allegedly found discrepancies in the birth certificates submitted by them. The move is being seen as one of the federation’s strongest actions in recent years against age manipulation, a long-standing concern in age-group competitions.
According to federation officials, the action followed a verification exercise conducted on birth certificates submitted during various age-category tournaments and selection trials. During the scrutiny process, authorities reportedly detected serious discrepancies in certain documents. Subsequent verification with official records allegedly revealed that corresponding birth registration entries could not be traced in government records.
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The wrestlers suspended in the case are Deepanshu, Tanuj Antil, Baljot Singh, Nikhil Dalal and Saket Drall. Among them, Deepanshu had recently won the men’s freestyle 65kg category during the U20 Asian Championship selection trials. However, after the verification process raised questions regarding his submitted documents, his selection was cancelled and another wrestler was inducted into the Indian squad.
Saket Drall, who had advanced to the final of the 86kg category during the trials, was also removed from contention following the investigation. The federation subsequently revised the selection process in that category. Officials maintain that participation in competitions using incorrect age information or forged documents undermines the principles of fair competition and sporting integrity.
In its disciplinary order, the federation stated that several cases involving discrepancies in age-related documents have surfaced over recent months. Previous actions had already been taken against some athletes, but concerns persisted regarding attempts to participate in national competitions through alternative or allegedly fabricated documents.
Sports administrators and experts have long viewed age fraud as one of the major challenges facing junior and age-group sports in India. When athletes allegedly compete in lower age categories by misrepresenting their age, they may gain an unfair competitive advantage over genuinely eligible participants. Such practices can adversely affect deserving athletes and undermine confidence in selection systems.
In a separate development, the federation has also issued a show-cause notice to a referee over allegations of conflict of interest during recent selection trials. According to the notice, the official was appointed as a referee during the event but was allegedly seen acting in a coaching capacity during a bout involving his son.
The federation stated that such conduct raises concerns regarding neutrality and professional ethics, particularly in high-stakes selection events. Officials have sought a written explanation from the referee and indicated that disciplinary proceedings could follow depending on the response received.
The notice emphasized that technical officials and referees are expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and refrain from participating in situations that could compromise the fairness and credibility of competitions. The matter remains under review pending further examination.
Sports governance experts believe the latest action signals a tougher approach by national federations toward document verification and athlete eligibility. With growing reliance on digital records and centralized verification systems, governing bodies are expected to strengthen scrutiny measures before major national and international events.
The suspensions have once again brought the issue of age manipulation into focus within Indian sports. Stakeholders argue that stricter verification mechanisms, transparent selection procedures and robust disciplinary measures are essential to preserving fairness and maintaining confidence in competitive sports.
For now, all five wrestlers remain suspended from federation-recognized activities for four years. Investigations and reviews related to age verification and competition integrity are expected to continue, with the sporting community closely watching what additional reforms may be introduced to strengthen transparency and accountability in the future.
