The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Friday decided at its special general meeting (SGM) that it will start functioning at ‘no cost to the government’ model if its request to lift the suspension is not considered by the sports ministry.

The WFI had its SGM in Noida after the UWW (the sport’s world governing body) lifted its suspension and the IOA also dissolved the ad hoc panel that was managing the affairs.

The two developments paved the way for the elected office-bearers to take back control of the federation, though the government is yet to lift its suspension.

In December last year, the government suspended WFI three days after it conducted polls to elect Sanjay Singh as president.

All 25 state associations attended the SGM even as secretary-general Prem Chand Lochab skipped the meet.

“It was agreed that we will request the government to lift the suspension. The UWW has lifted the suspension and ad hoc committee has also been dissolved, so there is no point in continuing with the suspension of the body,” WFI official said.

“If the ministry does not consider the request and decide against providing financial assistance, then we have decided to function at no cost to the government,” he added.

The government funds wrestlers’ training, competition and exposure trips to foreign countries.