As allegations continue to surface against under-fire Wrestling Federation Of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the 66-year-old has now blasted the protesting grapplers in an interview with India Today. He said that handing in his resignation is not an option and that the protests being mounted against him are a conspiracy against him by the opposition party.
Brij Bhushan has been accused of many deeds, but the biggest of them all is an allegation of Sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour against the women wrestlers of the country, with top athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Anshu Malik threatening to file an FIR in case he does not resign from the post.
Sharing his thoughts on the protests Brij Bhushan said, “There is no question of revenge (against the wrestlers). If they have won medals, then those medals have my sweat on them too. They didn't win medals on their own. I also helped them win medals. 15 days ago, these same players would hail me as the God of wrestling and within 15 days, there is a conspiracy and I am now a villain. I am not bigger than the country. I have been chosen by the people.”
"I had said it on the first day if they have any proof then make them public. I also said that if the sexual harassment charges against me are proven I am ready to be hanged," Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh told the channel on Thursday, January 19.
"I want to say this. I have been the president of WFI for 10 years, I have been involved with wrestling since 2008. I am ready to face the FIR, I am ready to face the CBI. I am ready to face the highest legal authority in India," he added.
While saying that he will not resign from the post, Brij Bhushan did admit that he will give up residency of the WFI is decided in the executive committee meeting, slated to take place on January 22.
"I can do anything when needed. This is not my personal post. I have asked for an executive committee meeting and whatever they decide, I will do. I am not bigger than them neither am I bigger than the country," he added.
Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medal-winning grappler Bajrang Punia, began their demonstration on Wednesday, January 18, at the Jantar Mantar. During the press conference that the wrestlers organised to share their grievances, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Vinesh opened up about the sexual assault allegations.
"WFI President has harassed us and threatened us. They get us media negative coverage. After the Tokyo Olympics, they threatened me so much. These are the people of the federation. I am putting serious allegations cause it has happened to me. A few coaches who are dear to the federation exploit the girls in National Camp.
"I can name more than 10 girls who were harnessed and molested during national camps But nobody comes forward due to fear. Girls sitting here have also faced this," the 28-year-old said.
