News Analysis India

Tag: Wrestling Federation of India

  • Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh: WFI not suspended, activities stopped to spread confusion: Priyanka Gandhi

    New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Centre on Monday of spreading “false news” about dissolving the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and alleged that its activities have been stopped to spread confusion and shelter a BJP MP who has been accused of sexual harassment by female wrestlers. She also alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) always protects the accused with all its might and tortures the victims whenever incidents of atrocities on women come to light.

    “The BJP is spreading false news about dissolving the wrestling federation. The federation has not been dissolved, its activities have been stopped so that the accused can be saved by spreading confusion. Do they have to stoop to this level to suppress the voice of aggrieved women?” the Congress general secretary asked in a post in Hindi on X.

    “The well-known players who made the country proud accused a BJP MP of sexual harassment and the government stood with the accused. The victims were tortured and the accused was rewarded,” she said, adding that even the prime minister and the home minister did not pay attention to the issue. “The home minister forgot the assurance given to the women wrestlers in return for withdrawing the agitation,” Gandhi said. — priyankagandhi (@priyankagandhi) She said it is the “height of arrogance” that the accused BJP MP, former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, ensured that the next national-level competitions will be played in his own district, on his own college ground. “Defeated by this darkness and injustice, Olympic medal-winner Sakshi Malik quit wrestling and when players started returning their awards, the government is spreading rumours,” Gandhi alleged. “Wherever there are atrocities on a woman, this government with all the might of its power protects the accused and tortures the victims. We talk about women leadership in every field, but the people in power are busy harassing, suppressing and discouraging the women who are moving forward. “The people of the country, the women of the country are watching all this,” she said on the microblogging platform.

    The WFI election was held on December 21, with Sanjay Singh, a loyalist of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and his panel winning the polls by big margins.

    The sports ministry, however, suspended the WFI till further notice on Sunday, after the wrestling body made a “hasty announcement” of organising the under-15 and under-20 national competitions “without following due procedure and not giving sufficient notice to wrestlers” for preparations.

    The ministry also said the new body was working under the “complete control of former (WFI) office-bearers”, which was not in conformity with the National Sports Code.

    Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh later said he has “taken retirement” from wrestling politics and the newly-elected body will take charge as he has many more responsibilities to look after, including next year’s Lok Sabha polls.

    Several top wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Malik and Bajrang Punia and World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat, have levelled allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the MP from Kaiserganj in Uttar Pradesh, and the case is being heard by the Delhi High Court. The former WFI chief has denied the allegations against him and claimed that he is being targeted under a conspiracy hatched by Congress leaders.

    Malik announced her retirement from wrestling at a press conference in Delhi on Thursday, in protest against Sanjay Singh’s election as the WFI chief.

  • World body suspends Wrestling Federation of India membership

    By Express News Service

    CHENNAI: With the election of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) postponed thrice in the last two months, the world governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), on Wednesday suspended the ad-hoc committee running the sport in the country. It is learnt that the decision was taken by the UWW during its executive meeting.

    The suspension ahead of two marquee events – Asian Games and World Championships – may force Indian wrestlers to compete under a neutral flag, especially in the second tournament.

    It should be noted here that the UWW in May this year had condemned the detention of protesting wrestlers and threatened to suspend the ad-hoc panel if the election is not conducted within the stipulated deadline.

    “The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this elective assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag,” said the statement.

    One of the WFI officials confirmed to this daily that the UWW has suspended the ad-hoc panel. “The world body has given 45 days to conduct an election but that deadline was not respected. Instead of holding an election, those in power are postponing it. This (deferment) has happened thrice with the Haryana and Punjab High Court staying the election process a day before the polling was scheduled on August 12. Now it will be the athletes who will suffer. While the Indian Olympic Association will take care of them at the Asian Games, they will have to compete under neutral flag at the Worlds and other international tournaments,” said the official.

    Earlier in January, the sports ministry formed an oversight committee to probe allegations of sexual harassment against sidelined WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The ministry then asked the IOA to form an ad-hoc panel to run the sport in the last week of April. The panel comprises the ex-chief of the Wushu Association of India Bhupender Singh Bajwa and shooting coach Suma Shirur.

    CHENNAI: With the election of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) postponed thrice in the last two months, the world governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), on Wednesday suspended the ad-hoc committee running the sport in the country. It is learnt that the decision was taken by the UWW during its executive meeting.

    The suspension ahead of two marquee events – Asian Games and World Championships – may force Indian wrestlers to compete under a neutral flag, especially in the second tournament.

    It should be noted here that the UWW in May this year had condemned the detention of protesting wrestlers and threatened to suspend the ad-hoc panel if the election is not conducted within the stipulated deadline.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this elective assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag,” said the statement.

    One of the WFI officials confirmed to this daily that the UWW has suspended the ad-hoc panel. “The world body has given 45 days to conduct an election but that deadline was not respected. Instead of holding an election, those in power are postponing it. This (deferment) has happened thrice with the Haryana and Punjab High Court staying the election process a day before the polling was scheduled on August 12. Now it will be the athletes who will suffer. While the Indian Olympic Association will take care of them at the Asian Games, they will have to compete under neutral flag at the Worlds and other international tournaments,” said the official.

    Earlier in January, the sports ministry formed an oversight committee to probe allegations of sexual harassment against sidelined WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The ministry then asked the IOA to form an ad-hoc panel to run the sport in the last week of April. The panel comprises the ex-chief of the Wushu Association of India Bhupender Singh Bajwa and shooting coach Suma Shirur.

  • International Olympic Committee calls treatment of protesting Indian wrestlers ‘very disturbing’

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has condemned the manner in which the protesting Indian wrestlers were being treated by Delhi Police over the weekend, terming it “very disturbing” in a strongly-worded statement.

    The IOC’s reaction follows the United World Wrestling’s (UWW) criticism of the detention of the grapplers during their protest at Jantar Mantar, in which the sport’s world body threatened to suspend the national federation if it fails to hold its election within the stipulated time.

    The top wrestlers — Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sangeeta Phogat — have accused the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) outgoing president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual exploitation.

    “The treatment of the Indian wrestling athletes over the weekend was very disturbing. The IOC insists that the allegations by the wrestlers are followed up on by an unbiased, criminal investigation in line with local law,” the IOC said in the statement.

    “We understand that a first step towards such a criminal investigation has been made, but more steps have to follow before concrete actions become visible. We urge that the safety and wellbeing of these athletes is duly considered throughout this process and that this investigation will be speedily concluded.”

    Unprecedented scenes of police dragging Olympic and World Championships medallists, including Sakshi, Vinesh, Bajrang and Sangeeta, were witnessed when the wrestlers and their supporters breached the security cordon during their march towards the new Parliament building for the planned women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’ on Sunday.

    The wrestlers are demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan for allegedly sexually harassing several women wrestlers, including a minor.

    The IOC further said in its statement, “From the very beginning of the allegations, the IOC has been in close contact with United World Wrestling (UWW), which has already taken measures.”

    “The IOC supports UWW as the competent sporting authority to address this issue as it pertains to the governance of the sport of wrestling in India. We have been informed by UWW that the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is currently not in charge.”

    “The IOC will continue to support UWW in all their efforts and in the framework of the IOC Guidelines for International Federations and NOCs for safeguarding athletes from harassment and abuse in sport.”

    The IOC asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to take the necessary actions “to protect the athletes and to make sure that the elections of WFI are happening as planned and in line with the regulations of UWW as an International Federation.”

    The wrestlers had called for a women’s Mahapanchayat at the new Parliament building at a time when it was being inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Expressing its disappointment over the “lack of results of the investigations so far”, the UWW on Tuesday said that the sports body will hold a meeting with the wrestlers to inquire about their condition and safety.

    Regarding the WFI elections, wrestling’s international governing body said in its statement, “… UWW will request further information about the next elective general assembly from the IOA and the Ad-hoc Committee of the WFI.”

    “The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this elective assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag.  It is reminded that UWW already took a measure in this situation by reallocating the Asian Championship planned in New Delhi earlier this year.”

    On April 27, a two-member ad-hoc committee was formed to run the day-to-day affairs of WFI and also conduct the elections. It has been 34 days since, leaving the body with just 11 days to hold the polls.

    NEW DELHI: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has condemned the manner in which the protesting Indian wrestlers were being treated by Delhi Police over the weekend, terming it “very disturbing” in a strongly-worded statement.

    The IOC’s reaction follows the United World Wrestling’s (UWW) criticism of the detention of the grapplers during their protest at Jantar Mantar, in which the sport’s world body threatened to suspend the national federation if it fails to hold its election within the stipulated time.

    The top wrestlers — Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sangeeta Phogat — have accused the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) outgoing president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual exploitation.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The treatment of the Indian wrestling athletes over the weekend was very disturbing. The IOC insists that the allegations by the wrestlers are followed up on by an unbiased, criminal investigation in line with local law,” the IOC said in the statement.

    “We understand that a first step towards such a criminal investigation has been made, but more steps have to follow before concrete actions become visible. We urge that the safety and wellbeing of these athletes is duly considered throughout this process and that this investigation will be speedily concluded.”

    Unprecedented scenes of police dragging Olympic and World Championships medallists, including Sakshi, Vinesh, Bajrang and Sangeeta, were witnessed when the wrestlers and their supporters breached the security cordon during their march towards the new Parliament building for the planned women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’ on Sunday.

    The wrestlers are demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan for allegedly sexually harassing several women wrestlers, including a minor.

    The IOC further said in its statement, “From the very beginning of the allegations, the IOC has been in close contact with United World Wrestling (UWW), which has already taken measures.”

    “The IOC supports UWW as the competent sporting authority to address this issue as it pertains to the governance of the sport of wrestling in India. We have been informed by UWW that the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is currently not in charge.”

    “The IOC will continue to support UWW in all their efforts and in the framework of the IOC Guidelines for International Federations and NOCs for safeguarding athletes from harassment and abuse in sport.”

    The IOC asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to take the necessary actions “to protect the athletes and to make sure that the elections of WFI are happening as planned and in line with the regulations of UWW as an International Federation.”

    The wrestlers had called for a women’s Mahapanchayat at the new Parliament building at a time when it was being inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Expressing its disappointment over the “lack of results of the investigations so far”, the UWW on Tuesday said that the sports body will hold a meeting with the wrestlers to inquire about their condition and safety.

    Regarding the WFI elections, wrestling’s international governing body said in its statement, “… UWW will request further information about the next elective general assembly from the IOA and the Ad-hoc Committee of the WFI.”

    “The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this elective assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag.  It is reminded that UWW already took a measure in this situation by reallocating the Asian Championship planned in New Delhi earlier this year.”

    On April 27, a two-member ad-hoc committee was formed to run the day-to-day affairs of WFI and also conduct the elections. It has been 34 days since, leaving the body with just 11 days to hold the polls.

  • Protesting wrestlers booked, taken to separate locations after being manhandled by cops

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Delhi police on Sunday foiled wrestlers’ plan to hold ‘Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat’ in front of the new Parliament building.

    The wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and double World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat, have been protesting at the Jantar Mantar since April 23 demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

    Singh was accused of sexual harassment and Delhi police have registered two FIRs against him on complaints of seven women wrestlers including a minor.

    Demanding immediate arrest, the wrestlers tried to march toward the new Parliament building but could not succeed. In their attempt to breach the security cordon, a few of them including Sakshi even jumped off the barricades.

    However, all their attempts to dodge the police went in vain. The cops bundled them on the buses before taking them to different locations.  

    The Delhi Police also booked wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia along with their supporters on charges of rioting and obstructing public servants in discharge of duty. The police said 700 people were detained across Delhi, including 109 protesters at Jantar Mantar.

    The police action against the wrestlers triggered massive outrage on social media with the opposition leaders and people lashing out at the union government. 

    Enraged over the treatment meted out to her and fellow wrestlers, Sakshi said that it was a ‘sad day’ for Indian Sports. 

    “A sexual abuser and goon, Brij Bhushan, is sitting in Parliament today and we are being dragged on the road. Sad day for Indian sports,” she said and further vowed to continue their sit-in at Jantar Mantar.

    Vinesh Phogat criticised the Delhi Police for filing the FIR against the protesters.

    “It takes seven days for the Delhi Police to register an FIR against Brij Bhushan, who has sexually assaulted (female wrestlers), and it didn’t take even seven hours to register an FIR against us for protesting peacefully. Has dictatorship started in this country? The whole world is watching how the government is treating its players. A new history is being written,” the world championship medallist tweeted in Hindi.

    Pertinent to mention here that BJP MP Singh attended the inauguration of the new Parliament building even as India’s top wrestlers protesting against him were allegedly manhandled and detained only a couple of kilometres from the venue.

    Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal deplored ‘manhandling’ of protesting wrestlers by the Delhi police and wrote a letter to Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora demanding an immediate arrest of WFI chief Singh.

    “Further, in an unprecedented move, the women wrestlers today along with their families were manhandled and forcefully detained and taken away by Delhi Police. Several videos depicting the same have been going viral on social media. The manner in which these women champions are being dragged on the streets by Delhi Police is extremely unbecoming of the force,” Maliwal said in the letter.

    (With additional inputs from PTI)

    NEW DELHI: The Delhi police on Sunday foiled wrestlers’ plan to hold ‘Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat’ in front of the new Parliament building.

    The wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and double World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat, have been protesting at the Jantar Mantar since April 23 demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

    Singh was accused of sexual harassment and Delhi police have registered two FIRs against him on complaints of seven women wrestlers including a minor.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Demanding immediate arrest, the wrestlers tried to march toward the new Parliament building but could not succeed. In their attempt to breach the security cordon, a few of them including Sakshi even jumped off the barricades.

    However, all their attempts to dodge the police went in vain. The cops bundled them on the buses before taking them to different locations.  

    The Delhi Police also booked wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia along with their supporters on charges of rioting and obstructing public servants in discharge of duty. The police said 700 people were detained across Delhi, including 109 protesters at Jantar Mantar.

    The police action against the wrestlers triggered massive outrage on social media with the opposition leaders and people lashing out at the union government. 

    Enraged over the treatment meted out to her and fellow wrestlers, Sakshi said that it was a ‘sad day’ for Indian Sports. 

    “A sexual abuser and goon, Brij Bhushan, is sitting in Parliament today and we are being dragged on the road. Sad day for Indian sports,” she said and further vowed to continue their sit-in at Jantar Mantar.

    Vinesh Phogat criticised the Delhi Police for filing the FIR against the protesters.

    “It takes seven days for the Delhi Police to register an FIR against Brij Bhushan, who has sexually assaulted (female wrestlers), and it didn’t take even seven hours to register an FIR against us for protesting peacefully. Has dictatorship started in this country? The whole world is watching how the government is treating its players. A new history is being written,” the world championship medallist tweeted in Hindi.

    Pertinent to mention here that BJP MP Singh attended the inauguration of the new Parliament building even as India’s top wrestlers protesting against him were allegedly manhandled and detained only a couple of kilometres from the venue.

    Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal deplored ‘manhandling’ of protesting wrestlers by the Delhi police and wrote a letter to Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora demanding an immediate arrest of WFI chief Singh.

    “Further, in an unprecedented move, the women wrestlers today along with their families were manhandled and forcefully detained and taken away by Delhi Police. Several videos depicting the same have been going viral on social media. The manner in which these women champions are being dragged on the streets by Delhi Police is extremely unbecoming of the force,” Maliwal said in the letter.

    (With additional inputs from PTI)

  • WFI chief will respond to sexual harassment allegations on Jan 22, says his son

    By PTI

    GONDA: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will issue a statement on allegations of sexual harassment against him after the sports body’s Annual General Meeting on January 22, his son Prateek said on Friday.

    The allegations have been made by some of the country’s top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya. The WFI chief had called for a press conference in his native Gonda this morning.

    However, after delaying it for seven hours, his son, who is a BJP MLA from the Gonda Sadar constituency, came onto the stage to make the announcement.

    Addressing the media, Prateek said, “I am here on behalf of my father and I would like to inform you all that we will issue a written statement only after the AGM of WFI on January 22.”

    “We want to discuss the issue with members from all across India and then take any decision. Whatever decision we will take, we will inform the press through a written statement,” he said.

    Earlier in the day, Singh reached Nandini College premises and met players who had come for a three-day wrestling championship.

    The WFI chief termed the protest by the country’s top grapplers “dharna of Shaheen Bagh” and reiterated that he won’t quit his post.

    ALSO READ | Will ‘expose political conspiracy’ in press conference, says WFI president

    GONDA: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will issue a statement on allegations of sexual harassment against him after the sports body’s Annual General Meeting on January 22, his son Prateek said on Friday.

    The allegations have been made by some of the country’s top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya. The WFI chief had called for a press conference in his native Gonda this morning.

    However, after delaying it for seven hours, his son, who is a BJP MLA from the Gonda Sadar constituency, came onto the stage to make the announcement.

    Addressing the media, Prateek said, “I am here on behalf of my father and I would like to inform you all that we will issue a written statement only after the AGM of WFI on January 22.”

    “We want to discuss the issue with members from all across India and then take any decision. Whatever decision we will take, we will inform the press through a written statement,” he said.

    Earlier in the day, Singh reached Nandini College premises and met players who had come for a three-day wrestling championship.

    The WFI chief termed the protest by the country’s top grapplers “dharna of Shaheen Bagh” and reiterated that he won’t quit his post.

    ALSO READ | Will ‘expose political conspiracy’ in press conference, says WFI president

  • Protesting wrestlers demand WFI be disbanded in meeting with Anurag Thakur

    By Agencies

    NEW DELHI: Top Indian wrestlers refused to climb down from their stand that the government initiate immediate steps to disband the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) as quickly as possible, even as Sports Minister Anurag Thakur continued to find a solution to break the deadlock on Thursday night.

    Celebrated Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat and others have been staging a sit-in protest for the last two days at Jantar Mantar here against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation.

    On Thursday night, the protesting wrestlers led by Vinesh and Bajrang besides Sakshi, Anshu Malik, Ravi Dahiya, and Sarita Mor, among others met Thakur at his residence and demanded speedy action. The two sides were involved in a marathon meeting which continued late into the night, with the parties failing to find a tangible solution thus far.

    According to sources, the government wants the wrestlers to end their protest but the athletes are adamant that the WFI should first be disbanded. “The government can resolve other issues later…we are fine with that, but it must disband WFI first,” a source close to the wrestlers told PTI.

    A team of wrestlers, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Anshu, Sakshi and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan had earlier in the day met government officials and discussed their issues with Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Director General SAI Sandip Pradhan and Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal.

    During the one-hour meeting, the wrestlers were asked to end their protest and assured that their grievances will be addressed. Meanwhile, the WFI is yet to respond to the ministry’s demand for an explanation within 72 hours, adding to the suspense.

    The ministry, however, cannot force Brij Bhushan to resign unless it receives a written reply since the government itself had asked the WFI for an explanation.

    Former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat is also part of the meeting to break the deadlock.

    Prior to the meeting, Anurag Thakur said that the allegations levelled by wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief are serious in nature. 

    “Government has worked for the welfare and upliftment of sports and players. India has won a lot of medals and delivered good performances at the global level. Work has been done to make federations better. Allegations levelled by wrestlers are serious in nature. Taking swift action, the Government of India sent a notice to WFI and sought a reply within 72 hours.”

    Babita, who is a 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.”

    Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a ‘khota sikka’ after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

    Vinesh, the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold in both Commonwealth and Asian Games, alleged, “Coaches are harassing women and some coaches, who are favourites of the Federation, misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls. The WFI president has sexually harassed many girls.”

    (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

    ALSO READ | SP, Cong demand WFI chief be sacked, FIR registered over sexual harassment allegations

    NEW DELHI: Top Indian wrestlers refused to climb down from their stand that the government initiate immediate steps to disband the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) as quickly as possible, even as Sports Minister Anurag Thakur continued to find a solution to break the deadlock on Thursday night.

    Celebrated Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat and others have been staging a sit-in protest for the last two days at Jantar Mantar here against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation.

    On Thursday night, the protesting wrestlers led by Vinesh and Bajrang besides Sakshi, Anshu Malik, Ravi Dahiya, and Sarita Mor, among others met Thakur at his residence and demanded speedy action. The two sides were involved in a marathon meeting which continued late into the night, with the parties failing to find a tangible solution thus far.

    According to sources, the government wants the wrestlers to end their protest but the athletes are adamant that the WFI should first be disbanded. “The government can resolve other issues later…we are fine with that, but it must disband WFI first,” a source close to the wrestlers told PTI.

    A team of wrestlers, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Anshu, Sakshi and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan had earlier in the day met government officials and discussed their issues with Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Director General SAI Sandip Pradhan and Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal.

    During the one-hour meeting, the wrestlers were asked to end their protest and assured that their grievances will be addressed. Meanwhile, the WFI is yet to respond to the ministry’s demand for an explanation within 72 hours, adding to the suspense.

    The ministry, however, cannot force Brij Bhushan to resign unless it receives a written reply since the government itself had asked the WFI for an explanation.

    Former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat is also part of the meeting to break the deadlock.

    Prior to the meeting, Anurag Thakur said that the allegations levelled by wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief are serious in nature. 

    “Government has worked for the welfare and upliftment of sports and players. India has won a lot of medals and delivered good performances at the global level. Work has been done to make federations better. Allegations levelled by wrestlers are serious in nature. Taking swift action, the Government of India sent a notice to WFI and sought a reply within 72 hours.”

    Babita, who is a 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.”

    Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a ‘khota sikka’ after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

    Vinesh, the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold in both Commonwealth and Asian Games, alleged, “Coaches are harassing women and some coaches, who are favourites of the Federation, misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls. The WFI president has sexually harassed many girls.”

    (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

    ALSO READ | SP, Cong demand WFI chief be sacked, FIR registered over sexual harassment allegations

  • Is this better environment: Congress slams PM Modi after WFI chief accused of sexual harassment 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Congress Thursday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the sexual exploitation allegations against BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, asking if this is the “better environment” for sports that has been created by the government.

    The opposition party’s attack came after star wrestler Vinesh Phogat Wednesday alleged that Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Singh has been sexually exploiting women wrestlers for years, a charge vehemently rejected by the sports administrator.

    In a tweet in Hindi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “Our players are the pride of the country. They bring laurels to the country by their performance at the world level.”

    The players have made serious allegations of exploitation against the Wrestling Federation and its president and their voices should be heard, she said.

    In a tweet in Hindi, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “The list of BJP leaders who have committed atrocities on daughters is endless. Was ‘Beti Bachao’ a warning to save daughters from BJP leaders! Prime Minister, please answer.”

    “Mr Prime Minister, why are all those who commit atrocities on daughters from the BJP,” he asked.

    Ramesh also said, “Yesterday, you said that a better environment has been created for sports in the country.

    Is this the ‘better environment’ in which even the daughters who bring laurels to the country are not safe?” Inaugurating a sports event in Uttar Pradesh via video conferencing on Wednesday, Modi said, “Many talents remained away from the field.

    ALSO READ | WFI chief sexual harassment: DCW issues notice to sports ministry, Delhi Police

    But in the last eight years, the country has left behind this old thinking.

    Work has been done to create a better environment for sports, so now more children and youths are looking at sports as a career option.

    ” Phogat, who has been at loggerheads with the WFI since the Tokyo Olympic Games, also claimed that several coaches at the national camp in Lucknow have also exploited women wrestlers, adding that there are a few women at the camp who approached the wrestlers at the behest of the WFI president.

    The 28-year-old, however, clarified that she never faced such exploitation but claimed that “one victim” was present at the ‘dharna’ they began at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.

    Rio Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Anshu Malik, Sonam Malik, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha, Amit Dhankar and CWG medallist Sumit Malik were among 30 wrestlers who assembled at the famous protest site.

    Singh, 66, was elected unopposed President of WFI for a third consecutive term in February 2019.

    Taking note of the allegations, 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”.

    NEW DELHI: The Congress Thursday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the sexual exploitation allegations against BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, asking if this is the “better environment” for sports that has been created by the government.

    The opposition party’s attack came after star wrestler Vinesh Phogat Wednesday alleged that Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Singh has been sexually exploiting women wrestlers for years, a charge vehemently rejected by the sports administrator.

    In a tweet in Hindi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “Our players are the pride of the country. They bring laurels to the country by their performance at the world level.”

    The players have made serious allegations of exploitation against the Wrestling Federation and its president and their voices should be heard, she said.

    In a tweet in Hindi, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “The list of BJP leaders who have committed atrocities on daughters is endless. Was ‘Beti Bachao’ a warning to save daughters from BJP leaders! Prime Minister, please answer.”

    “Mr Prime Minister, why are all those who commit atrocities on daughters from the BJP,” he asked.

    Ramesh also said, “Yesterday, you said that a better environment has been created for sports in the country.

    Is this the ‘better environment’ in which even the daughters who bring laurels to the country are not safe?” Inaugurating a sports event in Uttar Pradesh via video conferencing on Wednesday, Modi said, “Many talents remained away from the field.

    ALSO READ | WFI chief sexual harassment: DCW issues notice to sports ministry, Delhi Police

    But in the last eight years, the country has left behind this old thinking.

    Work has been done to create a better environment for sports, so now more children and youths are looking at sports as a career option.

    ” Phogat, who has been at loggerheads with the WFI since the Tokyo Olympic Games, also claimed that several coaches at the national camp in Lucknow have also exploited women wrestlers, adding that there are a few women at the camp who approached the wrestlers at the behest of the WFI president.

    The 28-year-old, however, clarified that she never faced such exploitation but claimed that “one victim” was present at the ‘dharna’ they began at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.

    Rio Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Anshu Malik, Sonam Malik, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha, Amit Dhankar and CWG medallist Sumit Malik were among 30 wrestlers who assembled at the famous protest site.

    Singh, 66, was elected unopposed President of WFI for a third consecutive term in February 2019.

    Taking note of the allegations, 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”.

  • WFI chief sexual harassment: DCW issues notice to sports ministry, Delhi Police

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Delhi Commission for Women has issued notices to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the city police after wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually exploiting women wrestlers.

    DCW chief Swati Maliwal also met the protesting wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar.

    The DCW said it has taken suo moto cognisance of media reports about allegations of sexual harassment made against the president of the Wrestling Federation of India and some wrestling coaches, the panel said. The panel has also asked the police to register an FIR in the matter.

    “As per the reports, renowned women Olympian wrestlers of India have accused the WFI president and some coaches of sexually harassing women wrestlers. This is a very serious matter,” the panel said.

    It has sought a copy of complaints made by women wrestlers against coaches and the WFI president along with details of action taken thereon by January 21.

    It has also sought details of the Internal Complaints Committee formed by the Wrestling Federation of India.

    The panel also asked whether these complaints have been forwarded to the ICC and the Local Complaint Committee (LCC) as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

    NEW DELHI: The Delhi Commission for Women has issued notices to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the city police after wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually exploiting women wrestlers.

    DCW chief Swati Maliwal also met the protesting wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar.

    The DCW said it has taken suo moto cognisance of media reports about allegations of sexual harassment made against the president of the Wrestling Federation of India and some wrestling coaches, the panel said. The panel has also asked the police to register an FIR in the matter.

    “As per the reports, renowned women Olympian wrestlers of India have accused the WFI president and some coaches of sexually harassing women wrestlers. This is a very serious matter,” the panel said.

    It has sought a copy of complaints made by women wrestlers against coaches and the WFI president along with details of action taken thereon by January 21.

    It has also sought details of the Internal Complaints Committee formed by the Wrestling Federation of India.

    The panel also asked whether these complaints have been forwarded to the ICC and the Local Complaint Committee (LCC) as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

  • Vinesh Phogat accuses WFI President of sexual harassment, India’s top wrestlers protest

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: In a startling revelation, a crying Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday alleged that Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been sexually exploiting women wrestlers for many years, a charge vehemently rejected by the sports administrator and BJP MP.

    Vinesh, who has been at loggerheads with WFI since the Tokyo Olympic Games, also claimed that several coaches at the national camp in Lucknow have also exploited women wrestlers, adding there are a few women at the camp who approached the wrestlers at the behest of the WFI President.

    The 28-year-old though clarified that she herself never faced such exploitation but claimed that “one victim” was present at the ‘dharna’ they began at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.

    So disturbed was Vinesh that she along with Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia had even met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to flag their issues about three months back. “We had met the Home Minister and he had assured us that, ‘you will get justice’,” star wrestler Punia told PTI, adding that the ‘sit-in’ was their another attempt to highlight the prevailing issues in Indian wrestling.

    Vinesh also claimed that she had received death threats at the behest of the WFI President from officials close to him because she dared to draw Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention to several issues plaguing Indian wrestling when she met him after the Tokyo Games.

    “I know at least 10-20 women wrestlers who have told me about the sexual exploitation they faced at the hands of (the) WFI President. They told me their stories. I can’t take their names now but I can definitely reveal the names if we get to meet the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country,” Vinesh said addressing the media after staging a four-hour ‘dharna’ at Jantar Mantar.

    “I have received death threats from people who are close to the WFI President. If anything happens to any of us sitting here, only the WFI President will be responsible.”

    Rio Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Anshu Malik, Sonam Malik, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha, Amit Dhankar and CWG medallist Sumit Malik were among 30 wrestlers who assembled at the famous protest site.

    Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Anshu Malik stage a strike against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in New Delhi. (Photo | PTI)

    Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, 66, was elected unopposed President of WFI for a third consecutive term in February 2019.

    Taking note of the allegations, 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.”

    The ministry said, “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.” In view of the developments, the ministry has also cancelled the National camp, which was due to start SAI centre in Lucknow on Wednesday.

    Sitting beside Vinesh, Bajrang said the federation is being run in an arbitrary manner and they will not compete in any international competition unless the WFI President, who is no less than a “dictator”, is removed.

    “Our fight is not against the government or the Sports Authority of India (SAI). This is against WFI. ‘Yeh ab aar paar ki ladai hai’ (It’s a fight to the finish). We will continue this protest until WFI President is removed,” Bajrang said.

    “We will not compete in any international competition until the WFI President is removed. This is a fight to save Indian wrestling. While we are denied help and support of foreign coaches, the President has hired a foreign coach for his own academy in Gonda,” he later said while addressing the media.

    “He uses abusive language against wrestlers, we can even show you videos of that.”

    In December 2021, the WFI President had slapped an overage wrestler during the under-15 national championship when he insisted on competing after being disqualified. The sitting BJP MP from Kaiserganj in Uttar Pradesh rejected all the charges against him and refused to quit his post.

    “There is no truth in any of the allegations. Why should I quit? Even if one woman wrestler comes and proves the sexual harassment charge, I am ready to be hanged. There is an industrialist behind it (conspiracy),” said the 66-year-old WFI President.

    “There can be an investigation by the CBI or police. There is no dictatorship. These same wrestlers had met me a week back and did not say anything,” he added.

    Responding to the allegation of death threats given to Vinesh on his behalf, Brij Bhushan said, “Why Vinesh did not talk to me or approached the police at that time? Why did she not meet the PM or the Sports Minister? Why is she saying this now?”

    The WFI boss indicated that the new policy and the rules they have introduced are perhaps causing a bit of discomfort to the wrestlers and that’s why the protest. He said the wrestlers are being asked to compete in the National Championships and appear in trials for fair selection, and there is nothing wrong with it.

    “Different states host Nationals and all want the country’s best athletes to compete. None of these wrestlers has competed in the Nationals. We have made it clear that only those athletes who compete and win at the National Championship will be selected for the National camp.”

    “The state of Haryana has been the pride of the country but we want to take wrestling to other states also. So we stopped the arrangements of states sending multiple teams at the Nationals,” Brij Bhushan said.

    “States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram are weak and we need to promote the game there. So we introduced National Open Championships apart from the regular Nationals and there also Haryana claimed 61 per cent of the medals,” he said, adding that a certain Tirath Rana was also misleading the wrestlers.

    Tirat Rana is a former wrestler who had tried to get into Haryana Wrestling Association but the sports body was suspended by WFI and later a new association, which had the backing of the national federation, was formed.

    Vinesh said she is labelled an indisciplined athlete because she dares to speak her mind.

    “I am being tortured every day.”

    Asked why they did not raise the issues before, Vinesh said, “These are powerful, influential people. We could not muster the courage. Now we were not left with any option. ‘Ab paani sar se paar ho raha hai’ (the limit has been reached). We have to think about the next generation of players as well.”

    Adding to it, Bajrang said, “We are approaching the end of our careers. For how long will we play? 2024, 2026 or maybe 2028 but it is a question of the entire wrestling fraternity.”

    It may be recalled that the WFI, while taking disciplinary action against Vinesh for not wearing the official singlet during the Tokyo Games, had banned her but later lifted it after receiving a written apology from the athlete. Vinesh said she did not wear that singlet because it was “zero quality.”

    Explaining his position, the WFI President said that they were facing action from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for flouting the rules and he had to take action against Vinesh out of compulsion because he did not want a ban on India.

    ALSO READ | WFI chief sexual harassment: DCW issues notice to sports ministry, Delhi Police

    NEW DELHI: In a startling revelation, a crying Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday alleged that Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been sexually exploiting women wrestlers for many years, a charge vehemently rejected by the sports administrator and BJP MP.

    Vinesh, who has been at loggerheads with WFI since the Tokyo Olympic Games, also claimed that several coaches at the national camp in Lucknow have also exploited women wrestlers, adding there are a few women at the camp who approached the wrestlers at the behest of the WFI President.

    The 28-year-old though clarified that she herself never faced such exploitation but claimed that “one victim” was present at the ‘dharna’ they began at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.

    So disturbed was Vinesh that she along with Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia had even met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to flag their issues about three months back. “We had met the Home Minister and he had assured us that, ‘you will get justice’,” star wrestler Punia told PTI, adding that the ‘sit-in’ was their another attempt to highlight the prevailing issues in Indian wrestling.

    Vinesh also claimed that she had received death threats at the behest of the WFI President from officials close to him because she dared to draw Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention to several issues plaguing Indian wrestling when she met him after the Tokyo Games.

    “I know at least 10-20 women wrestlers who have told me about the sexual exploitation they faced at the hands of (the) WFI President. They told me their stories. I can’t take their names now but I can definitely reveal the names if we get to meet the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country,” Vinesh said addressing the media after staging a four-hour ‘dharna’ at Jantar Mantar.

    “I have received death threats from people who are close to the WFI President. If anything happens to any of us sitting here, only the WFI President will be responsible.”

    Rio Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Anshu Malik, Sonam Malik, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha, Amit Dhankar and CWG medallist Sumit Malik were among 30 wrestlers who assembled at the famous protest site.

    Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Anshu Malik stage a strike against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in New Delhi. (Photo | PTI)

    Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, 66, was elected unopposed President of WFI for a third consecutive term in February 2019.

    Taking note of the allegations, 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.”

    The ministry said, “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.” In view of the developments, the ministry has also cancelled the National camp, which was due to start SAI centre in Lucknow on Wednesday.

    Sitting beside Vinesh, Bajrang said the federation is being run in an arbitrary manner and they will not compete in any international competition unless the WFI President, who is no less than a “dictator”, is removed.

    “Our fight is not against the government or the Sports Authority of India (SAI). This is against WFI. ‘Yeh ab aar paar ki ladai hai’ (It’s a fight to the finish). We will continue this protest until WFI President is removed,” Bajrang said.

    “We will not compete in any international competition until the WFI President is removed. This is a fight to save Indian wrestling. While we are denied help and support of foreign coaches, the President has hired a foreign coach for his own academy in Gonda,” he later said while addressing the media.

    “He uses abusive language against wrestlers, we can even show you videos of that.”

    In December 2021, the WFI President had slapped an overage wrestler during the under-15 national championship when he insisted on competing after being disqualified. The sitting BJP MP from Kaiserganj in Uttar Pradesh rejected all the charges against him and refused to quit his post.

    “There is no truth in any of the allegations. Why should I quit? Even if one woman wrestler comes and proves the sexual harassment charge, I am ready to be hanged. There is an industrialist behind it (conspiracy),” said the 66-year-old WFI President.

    “There can be an investigation by the CBI or police. There is no dictatorship. These same wrestlers had met me a week back and did not say anything,” he added.

    Responding to the allegation of death threats given to Vinesh on his behalf, Brij Bhushan said, “Why Vinesh did not talk to me or approached the police at that time? Why did she not meet the PM or the Sports Minister? Why is she saying this now?”

    The WFI boss indicated that the new policy and the rules they have introduced are perhaps causing a bit of discomfort to the wrestlers and that’s why the protest. He said the wrestlers are being asked to compete in the National Championships and appear in trials for fair selection, and there is nothing wrong with it.

    “Different states host Nationals and all want the country’s best athletes to compete. None of these wrestlers has competed in the Nationals. We have made it clear that only those athletes who compete and win at the National Championship will be selected for the National camp.”

    “The state of Haryana has been the pride of the country but we want to take wrestling to other states also. So we stopped the arrangements of states sending multiple teams at the Nationals,” Brij Bhushan said.

    “States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram are weak and we need to promote the game there. So we introduced National Open Championships apart from the regular Nationals and there also Haryana claimed 61 per cent of the medals,” he said, adding that a certain Tirath Rana was also misleading the wrestlers.

    Tirat Rana is a former wrestler who had tried to get into Haryana Wrestling Association but the sports body was suspended by WFI and later a new association, which had the backing of the national federation, was formed.

    Vinesh said she is labelled an indisciplined athlete because she dares to speak her mind.

    “I am being tortured every day.”

    Asked why they did not raise the issues before, Vinesh said, “These are powerful, influential people. We could not muster the courage. Now we were not left with any option. ‘Ab paani sar se paar ho raha hai’ (the limit has been reached). We have to think about the next generation of players as well.”

    Adding to it, Bajrang said, “We are approaching the end of our careers. For how long will we play? 2024, 2026 or maybe 2028 but it is a question of the entire wrestling fraternity.”

    It may be recalled that the WFI, while taking disciplinary action against Vinesh for not wearing the official singlet during the Tokyo Games, had banned her but later lifted it after receiving a written apology from the athlete. Vinesh said she did not wear that singlet because it was “zero quality.”

    Explaining his position, the WFI President said that they were facing action from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for flouting the rules and he had to take action against Vinesh out of compulsion because he did not want a ban on India.

    ALSO READ | WFI chief sexual harassment: DCW issues notice to sports ministry, Delhi Police