Top Indian wrestlers, including Olympian Vinesh Phogat, have been protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment charges. The wrestlers have been demanding Singh’s arrest and have accused him of misusing his power and position for a long time.
The WFI president had earlier dismissed the allegations and claimed that the athletes were protesting against new rules introduced for the selection of the Olympics. However, the wrestlers have clarified that their protest is solely against sexual harassment and not about the Olympics rules.
Delhi Police had registered two FIRs against Singh over allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation of female wrestlers. In response, Singh had stated that if he resigns, it would mean that he has accepted the allegations raised by the wrestlers. The wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar for the last six days and have been sleeping and training at the protest site.
Phogat said that it was challenging to stand against a person who had been misusing his power and position for so long. She revealed that the wrestlers had met an official before they started their protest, but no action was taken.
Wrestler Bajrang Punia addressed the allegations that they were protesting against the new Olympics selection rules introduced by the WFI. He clarified that the protest was solely against sexual harassment and that the federation would take trials of athletes coming from the Olympics, whoever they want.
The wrestlers had earlier held a candle march at Jantar Mantar on April 26, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to their ‘Mann Ki Baat’. The athletes have accused the WFI of not taking appropriate action against sexual harassment and mental torture faced by women athletes. While the WFI president claimed that 90% of Haryana players stood with him, the wrestlers have continued their protest, demanding justice.
