The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is currently embroiled in significant turmoil after the Olympic medal-winning and Commonwealth Games medal-winning wrestlers have accused the president of the federation — Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh — of many things, including sexual harassment.
When did the protests begin?
On January 18, some of India's biggest names in the sport of wrestling gathered at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, metres away from the WFI office. Some of the grapplers who chose to gather in protest include Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia, in addition to Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Sangeeta Phogat, Sonam Malik and Anshu Malik.
Bajrang took to Twitter to post pictures of the protest.
Then, they just revealed that they wanted major changes within the WFI, CWG gold medallist Vinesh Phogat also expressed her frustration at the Federation’s operation as her tweet read, “The player wants self-respect and prepares for the Olympics and big games with full vigour, but if the federation does not support them, the morale breaks down. But now we will not bow down. Will fight for our rights."
Bombs dropped during press conference
In the afternoon on the same day, Sakshi, Bajrang and Vinesh spoke up in a press conference and made some major accusations against the WFI and the president.
"Was the travel of the WFI president important or a physio travelling with me and other female wrestlers important? He called me Khota Sikka and says gussa bhot aata hai (you have anger issues)", Vinesh opened up while breaking down during the presser.
"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 added.
In response to these allegations, Brij Bhushan said he was ready to 'hang himself' if found guilty. “There has been no incident of sexual harassment. If such a thing has happened, then I will hang myself… I am ready for an investigation,” Singh said.
Bajrang also accused the federation of money laundering, "President abuses players and harasses mentally. Tata Motors has sponsored us since 2018 but where is the money? Now they are saying that private sponsors will also come through Federation," Bajrang said.
Call to arms by Bajrang Punia
With Day 1 of their protests leading to a lot of media coverage, Bajrang, who is considered as India's biggest name in wrestling, pleaded to all the wrestlers to join them in protest. "As we know that some of India's wrestlers are protesting at Jantar Mantar. It is a humble request that all the wrestlers and coaches please join us in support to save the future of wrestling in India," he said on his Twitter account.
"The president said that only 3% are with the wrestlers, and the remaining 97% is with the president. But this is not true. Whatever we are, we are because of wrestling. This is why this is important to save the sport," the Olympic bronze medallist added.
Centre issues ultimatum
The sports ministry has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) after the country's top wrestlers including Olympic medallists levelled sexual harassment charges against the wrestling federation in the protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday (January 18).
The centre has said that if WFI does not respond in the next three days, the sports ministry ‘will proceed to initiate action against the federation in terms of the provisions of the National Sports Development Code, 2011.’
"Taking cognizance of the protest staged by wrestlers, including Olympic and CWG medalists, in Delhi today and a press conference in which wrestlers have levelled serious charges of sexual harassment of women wrestlers by the President and coaches of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and of mismanagement in the functioning of the federation, the Sports Ministry has sought an explanation from WFI and directed it to furnish a reply within the next 72 hours on the allegations made. In its communication to WFI, the Ministry has stated that "since the matter pertains to the well-being of athletes, the Ministry has taken a very serious view of the matter." the sports ministry said in the statement.
"The Ministry has further stated that if WFI fails to furnish the reply within the next 72 hours, the Ministry will proceed to initiate action against the federation in terms of the provisions of the National Sports Development Code, 2011," the statement added.
BJP MP visits protestors
Former wrestler and current BJP leader Babita Phogat reached the protest site and assured the support of the Indian government.
"I have assured them that the government is with them. I will try that their issues are resolved today," Babita Phogat said after addressing the gathering.
Babita, who is also the deputy director in the Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Department and a former wrestler, had earlier tweeted, "I stand with all my fellow players in this matter of wrestling. I assure all of you that I will work to raise this issue with the government at every level, and the future will be decided the way players feel right."
Meeting scheduled on January 22
In light of these protests, a meeting of the Executive Committee and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the WFI will be held on January 22 in Ayodhya. Brij Bhushan will also take part in the meeting where he is expected to either hand in his resignation or be forcibly removed from the job.
"We are going to meet the officials of Union Sports Ministry and will apprise the media about it once the meeting concludes," said wrestler Bajrang Punia amid wrestlers' protest against WFI at Jantar Mantar.
