Wrestlers Protest: Tuesday saw a crisis in Indian wrestling when the United World Wrestling (UWW) issued a warning that if elections for the Wrestling Federation of India were not held within the allotted 45 days, the Indian federation might be suspended, “causing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag.”
UWW Urges Investigation into Allegations of Abuse
In addition, UWW demanded that a “thorough and impartial investigation” be carried out into the claims of “abuse and harassment” made against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. When the top wrestlers from India were detained by the Delhi Police on Sunday to halt their march to the new parliament building, an IOC spokesman commented, “The treatment of the Indian wrestling athletes over the weekend was quite troubling.”
Wrestlers Stage Ganga Protest as UWW Warns of ‘Inaction’ in Sexual Harassment Case
The UWW’s warning came on the same day that wrestlers led by Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, as well as two-time world champion Vinesh Phogat, travelled to Haridwar to immerse their international hardware in the Ganga to protest the “government’s inaction” in light of the sexual harassment claims made by seven female wrestlers, including a minor, against Brij Bhushan. Unprecedented protests have now lasted for more than a month. To manage WFI and hold new elections in 45 days, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) created an ad hoc committee on April 27 in response to an order from the union sports ministry. Bhupendra Singh Bajwa, a prominent athlete in the IOA, and Suma Shirur, the national rifle coach, are both members of the panel. A retired high court judge is yet to be appointed as the other member to oversee the poll process.
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UWW Demands Statement from IOA as Election Deadline Looms
UWW demanded a statement from IOA and the ad hoc panel after stating that the 45-day election deadline had to be met. Failure to comply with this condition could result in UWW suspending the federation, requiring the athletes to compete under a neutral flag. It is recalled that UWW had responded to this scenario by moving the Asian Championship that was slated to take place in New Delhi earlier this year. UWW stated that it will meet with the wrestlers to inquire about their well-being. The WFI executive committee was first placed on administrative leave on January 21 following the wrestlers’ initial charges against Singh. After an oversight committee presented its report to the ministry of sports, it resumed operations only to be halted once more and have its plans for the May 7 elections shelved. The UWW declaration was taken seriously, the national coach hoped. “The preparation for the World Championships and Asian Games has suffered. Additionally, there are no national camps. The wrestlers’ morale will be affected by the potential of a ban, the coach said.
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