The Indian wrestlers returned to New Delhi for the protest on Sunday, months after their sexual harassment claims against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. They demanded the publication of the report by the panel.
On Sunday, the nation’s top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, returned to the protest site Jantar Mantar and demanded that the government release the findings of the investigation into sexual harassment claims against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The wrestlers, who were surrounded by a large contingent of police officers, also demanded that a FIR be filed against the WFI chief, who had denied the allegations that first surfaced in January, when grapplers conducted a’sit-in’ protest and demanded that the federation be dissolved. The six-member oversight committee, led by the legendary boxer MS Mary Kom, submitted its report during the first week of April, but the government must still make it public.
“In what timeframe will the [government] committee submit its report? Already three months have passed, and we have yet to hear from them. Will the report be released after the ladies who have filed complaints pass away? asked the world championship medalist, Vinesh.
“We are tired of requesting that the government disclose the results. We have lodged a complaint at a Connaught Place police station and request that a FIR be filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. We have no involvement in the [WFI] election procedure. Our primary concern is our livelihoods. “We want to begin preparations for the [Paris] Olympics in earnest,” she added.
Singh, who has served as WFI president for the past 12 years, has affirmed that he will not seek re-election on May 7. However, he indicated that he could possibly obtain a position within the national federation. “Despite such grave accusations, you can see who controls the federation. We only possess the power of truth, which I believe is inadequate. The government should take action against the sexual intimidation that has occurred. We demand justice. We will continue our protest,’ said Vinesh.
In the three months since the allegations were made by the nation’s best wrestlers, Singh has appeared before the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and a government oversight panel. Multiple sources have verified, however, that the wrestlers were unable to prove the sexual harassment allegations against the WFI president.
“We will not leave Jantar Mantar,” Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik said, adding, “This fight will continue.” “The ladies have testified in front of the committee, but the report has not yet arrived. As before, the federation is organising nationals in their region. So, what has altered?” she inquired.
“None of the assurances made to us when we first protested have been fulfilled. Seven females, including a minor, filed a complaint at a CP police station two days ago. In spite of this, they are not treating us seriously and have not filed a FIR. Sakshi stated, “I have no idea who is responsible for this indifference, given that such delicate matters are addressed immediately.”
Bajrang stated that it was his moral obligation to stand with the protesting female wrestlers. If we do not stand with them, who will? Even if I have to sacrifice my life for their cause, I am willing to do so,” said the bronze medalist from the Tokyo Olympics.