As on one side, India is gearing up for the grand Saansad Khel Mahakumbh sports event, on the other hand in Delhi several top wrestlers of the including Olympians have taken to the streets to protest against the alleged arbitrary laws by the Wrestling federation of India.
Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, and double Worlds medallist Vinesh Phogat, have levelled allegations against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh that include sexual assault on female wrestlers and issuing death threats to athletes.
The allegations that were made at a live press conference was followed by a public protest that began in the morning at Jantar Mantar in the heart of New Delhi.
“Adhyaksh (President) and a few coaches in the national camp have sexually exploited female wrestlers.I’ve openly said it today, I don’t know if I will be alive tomorrow. We have requested many times to move the camp away from Lucknow. Why does it happen only there? Because it’s easy for him to prey on the women wrestlers.” said Vinesh.
“We will not participate in any tournament until he is removed. He has been mentally torturing me every day – for the smallest things.. makes us beg for the small things.” she added.
Vinesh has also added that they are ready to file a case in High Court and fight until and unless a solution is obtained.
With time, women are bringing pride and numerous laurels to the Indian sports sector, a question still remains as to whether each and every female player is given equal opportunities and safe spaces to play and put their talent to full use or not.
