With the election of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) postponed thrice in the last two months, the world governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), on Wednesday suspended the ad-hoc committee running the sport in the country.

The decision was reportedly taken by the UWW during its executive meeting.

The suspension ahead of Asian Games and World Championships may force Indian wrestlers to compete under a neutral flag, especially in the World Championships.

Notably, the UWW in May this year had condemned the detention of protesting wrestlers and threatened to suspend the ad-hoc panel if the election is not conducted within the stipulated deadline.

“The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this elective assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag,” the UWW had said the statement.