According to a report by Reuters, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is currently facing a sexual harassment scandal and in order to have its suspension lifted, it may be required to take measures to protect women wrestlers, as stated by the sport’s global governing body.
The WFI was suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) in August due to their failure to hold their election on time.
Following the suspension, the UWW requested a fresh election to take place after the then-president of WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is also a lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, was charged with sexual harassment and criminal intimidation.
Although Singh has denied any wrongdoing and is currently out on bail, his backing of a candidate as his successor in the recent election has sparked new protests.
As a result of this, Sakshi Malik, a prominent female wrestler, quit the sport in protest, while male wrestler and fellow Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia returned one of India’s highest civilian awards.
A spokesperson for the UWW stated that they may request safeguards to address the concerns about protecting women wrestlers in order to lift the suspension on the WFI.
The spokesperson also mentioned that they are currently gathering feedback to determine the validity and organization of the recent election, and that before the suspension can be lifted, official information needs to be received from the national federation, as well as confirmation from the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports.
Prior to this recent development, wrestlers had previously staged a sit-in protest against Singh in New Delhi and had considered throwing their medals into the River Ganges in May.
This report was done by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi, with editing by William Mallard.
