Several leading Indian wrestlers are calling for an inquiry into allegations of s*xual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), despite ongoing protests in New Delhi.
The wrestlers, who have been demonstrating for the past three days in the Indian capital, are demanding Singh’s dismissal and the dissolution of the WFI.
In a letter to the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), five wrestlers, including Olympic medalist Vinesh Phogat, have reported that several young wrestlers have made serious complaints of sexual harassment against Singh. The wrestlers are advocating for these allegations to be investigated while keeping the accusers’ identities confidential.
Phogat, who has publicly spoken out, described experiencing mental harassment and torture at the hands of the WFI president, even revealing that the pressure she faced led her to contemplate suicide.
In response, Vinod Tomar, the WFI’s assistant secretary, has denied the accusations, stating that an inquiry is underway and emphasizing that these are unproven allegations. The WFI president’s office declined to comment when contacted by CNN.
The WFI has also postponed a press conference that was scheduled for Friday. Phogat, who made history as the first female Indian wrestler to win gold at both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, expressed on Twitter that the players seek respect and warned that a lack of support from the federation could undermine their morale.
India’s sports ministry has instructed the WFI to address the allegations within 72 hours, as stated by Indian Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. Politician and former wrestler Babita Kumari Phogat, who is also a three-time Commonwealth Games medalist, voiced her support for the protesting wrestlers and expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to delivering justice.