Top Indian wrestlers put off a demonstration before the parliament building after the government promised a four-week probe into their charges of federation sexual harassment of teenage athletes. The wrestlers and almost 200 supporters staged a three-day sit-in at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, accusing the federation head of sexually and mentally assaulting young female athletes. They wanted Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brijbhushan Sharan Singh and others removed immediately awaiting investigation.
Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party MP, previously denied the charges as a political plot to seize his position and told journalists he was “ready to be hung” if any female wrestler proved the sexual harassment complaint. He cancelled a Friday press appearance to disclose a “plot” against him and sent his son instead. He assured them his father will address the media at the federation’s annual assembly on Sunday. On Friday, Indian Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur met protesting wrestlers again and promised a four-week investigation. He said the federation president “would stand aside and cooperate in carrying out the inquiry”. “Until then, a committee will carry out federation day-to-day work,” he stated. Male and female wrestlers, including Olympic and Commonwealth medalists, boycotted all contests until Singh was dismissed. Wrestler Bajrang Punia tweeted that the protest was done and thanked the authorities for investigating. He thanked the government on behalf of his teammates. “We don’t attack the government. We attack the federation and its president.” One of India’s most accomplished female wrestlers and protest organizer Vinesh Phogat accused Singh of molesting “many teenage wrestlers” and stated she knew “at least 10 to 20 ladies” who had recounted sexual abuse during wrestling camps.
“It has taken a lot of bravery for us wrestlers to join together and protest,” Phogat and other top athletes said in a letter to PT Usha, the Indian Olympic Association president. After failing to win an Olympic gold, Phogat alleged Singh “mentally tormented and tortured” her and “nearly pondered death”. The letter stated that young athletes “do not deserve an environment of intimidation.” “We will not move until the WFI president is fired.” Former Indian athlete Usha called for “a full probe to guarantee justice” for the wrestlers.
