Indian Wrestlers restart Protest Against WFI Chief Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

New Delhi (India), April 24, 2023: India’s leading wrestlers have resumed their protest against the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and BJP MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexually harassing multiple athletes.

The athletes, who suspended their protest earlier this year following assurances that a committee would investigate the allegations, have vowed to remain at the Jantar Mantar protest site until a complaint is filed against Singh. The protesters have expressed distrust in the committee’s ability to conduct an impartial investigation, stating that they were misled previously.

“We will not accept anyone’s word blindly. Last time we were deceived, and we hope there is no political motivation behind this case,” said Vinesh Phogat, the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

The protesters have also stated that they welcome support from any political party, including the BJP, Congress, AAP, or others, emphasizing that they are not affiliated with any particular group.

Seven women wrestlers have filed a sexual harassment complaint against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at the Connaught Place police station in central Delhi. The athletes claim that no action has been taken yet and that they will continue their agitation until the police register an FIR in the case.

In January, the Sports Ministry formed a five-member committee, headed by Olympic medalist boxer MC Mary Kom, to investigate the allegations. The committee was instructed to submit its findings within a month, but its report has not been made public. Sources suggest that the wrestlers could not substantiate the accusations against Singh after several hearings.

Singh, who served three four-year terms as president, has said that he will not contest for the president’s post in the WFI election on May 7 but hinted at seeking a new role within the federation. The Sports Code bars individuals from contesting for the top post after completing 12 years as WFI chief.