Top Indian wrestlers protest against sexual harassment culture in the sport

Several top Indian wrestling athletes, including Olympians and world champions, have taken part in protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief, President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment and intimidation. The athletes have been staging protests in New Delhi since April, with at least seven athletes, including a minor, filing complaints against Singh. Singh has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and asserting that he will be ready to hang himself if found guilty. Female wrestlers have accused Singh of torture and harassment, which they claim is often ignored by those in power. The protests flared up after the women met with the sports minister to discuss sexual harassment and other issues facing female wrestlers, but no action was taken at the time. The athletes planned to throw their Olympic medals into the Ganges River in protest, and they were met with a violent police response when they marched towards India’s Parliament. An International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesperson said the treatment of India’s female wrestlers is very disturbing and urged an investigation. India’s sports minister has said the police are investigating the case and urged athletes to have faith in the probe.