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Female wrestlers in India accuse officials of abuse

January 19, 2023

The sports ministry has given the wrestling body a deadline of Friday to respond to the accusations.

https://p.dw.com/p/4MQP5
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat speaks during a protest against Wrestling Foundation of India President Brij Bhushan Charan Singh and other officials in New Delhi
Phogat, one of India's most decorated women wrestlers, has accused her federation chief and several coaches of sexually harassing multiple athletesImage: Altaf Qadri/AP Photo/picture alliance

Some of India's most prominent wrestlers led a sit-in protest near the country's parliament on Thursday, accusing the Wrestling Federation's (WFI) president and coaches of sexual and mental harassment.

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia led about 100 protestors who demanded the removal of the wrestling body's president, Brij Bhushan Charan Singh, and other officials pending the outcome of an inquiry into the allegations.

"Women wrestlers have been sexually harassed at national camps by coaches and also the WFI president," triple Commonwealth Games gold medallist Phogat said.

"I know at least 10-20 girls in the national camp who have come and told me their stories," she added.

Singh, who is also a lawmaker representing the governing Bharatiya Janata Party, rejected the accusations and said he was ready to face any probe.

"If there were complaints against me or some coaches, they should have come forward earlier," he said.

Wrestling Federation of India too 'powerful'

India is a deeply hierarchical society and Phogat said many wrestlers were intimidated and not coming forward because of their humble origins.

"They are scared because of their family background. They can't fight them because they are powerful," she said.

Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia, left, speaks during a protest against Wrestling Foundation of India President Brij Bhushan Charan Singh and other officials in New Delhi, India
Protesters carried placards reading "Dictatorship can't go on," "We will fight for our rights," and "Boycott the WFI president"Image: Altaf Qadri/AP Photo/picture alliance

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, who is male, also joined the protest. He accused Singh of running the federation in a high-handed manner.

"But what if the federation itself creates the problem? Now we have to fight, we will not back down," he said.

Sports ministry wants answers by Friday

Fellow wrestler and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, who was also part of the protest, endorsed the allegations.

"Athletes work hard to win medals for the country, but the federation has done nothing but let us down," she tweeted.

India's sports ministry had asked the wrestling body to answer the accusation made by the wrestlers by Friday, "Otherwise, the ministry will proceed to initiate action against the federation."

lo/ar (AFP, AP)