Indian women wrestlers and their families are advocating for reforms in the wake of a sexual harassment case involving a top sports administrator. The chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, an influential lawmaker, is facing accusations of sexual harassment and intimidation. While Singh has denied the charges, the delay in taking action has led to global attention.
In May, top wrestlers threatened to throw their medals into the Ganges river in protest, five months after accusing Singh of groping young women during tournaments. Now, the wrestlers and their families are demanding reforms within the sport. They want measures like having guardians accompany contestants and increasing the number of women officials in senior ranks of the sport.
The case has raised concerns among parents of aspiring female wrestlers, who worry about their safety. The parents and nine female wrestlers are determined to continue with the sport and are focusing on the upcoming WFI elections in July to push for reforms. They want women to be appointed at all levels of training and running the wrestling federation, as well as in other sporting bodies. They believe that having more women in leadership positions will provide a sense of security for the young wrestlers.
The parents are also calling on the government to establish an official group of guardians to travel with women contestants to events such as training camps and international tournaments. This additional support would alleviate the fears and concerns of parents regarding the safety of their daughters.
While officials from the Sports Authority of India and the WFI declined to comment on the accusations against Singh due to the ongoing court case, they acknowledged the absence of women administrators at a senior level in the federation. The Sport and Rights Alliance, a coalition of non-governmental organizations promoting human rights in sports, has called for a transparent and independent investigation by the International Olympic Committee.
The Indian Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur, has assured that all the concerns raised by female wrestlers will be addressed, emphasizing that the government is taking steps to ensure the protection of every girl. However, women wrestlers in Haryana, the state known for producing top female wrestlers, expressed dismay at the situation. They were shocked to see top wrestlers being forced to take to the streets to seek justice, revealing a problematic side of the sports culture in the country.
As the demand for reforms gains momentum, it is crucial to address the concerns of female wrestlers and their families. The engagement of women in leadership roles and the establishment of support systems will contribute to a more secure environment for aspiring athletes. By implementing these changes, the government can help create a culture where female wrestlers can thrive without fear of harassment or victimization.
The push for reform highlights the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of women athletes. It is crucial to address any instances of sexual harassment and provide a safe and inclusive space for all participants in the world of sports.
