IOA President Criticizes Women Wrestlers’ Protest Against Sexual Harassment

Photo Credit: The Hindu

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has criticized the wrestlers protesting on the streets, stating that it amounts to indiscipline and is tarnishing the country’s image. Decorated wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik have been protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation by the grapplers. However, the IOA has yet to complete its probe into the allegations, while the government-formed oversight panel’s findings have not been made public as yet. The wrestlers resumed their agitation on April 23 after three months of waiting and have also approached the Supreme Court demanding the arrest of the WFI boss. IOA President PT Usha said that instead of hitting the streets again, the wrestlers should have approached the IOA committee for sexual harassment complaints. The IOA president further stated that the wrestlers’ move is not good for sports and the country’s image. However, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang has expressed shock at Usha’s statement, saying that they expected to support it. The IOA has formed a three-member ad-hoc panel to manage the affairs of the WFI and conduct fresh polls within 45 days of the formation of the committee. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Friday. Meanwhile, the wrestlers remain adamant and have refused to leave the protest site until their demands are met. The protest has now become a matter of gender equality, as women athletes continue to fight against sexual harassment in sports. The situation demands immediate attention, and the authorities must take action to restore the faith of women athletes in the sports system.

–Re-reported from the story originally published in https://thebridge.in/