Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Thursday stated she is “deeply concerned and disturbed” by the sexual harassment allegations by famend wrestlers towards Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying the nationwide Olympic physique will do all the pieces doable to safeguard the curiosity of the nation’s ladies athletes. Celebrated Indian wrestlers, together with Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik moreover Vinesh Phogat and others are staging a sit-in protest for the final two days at Jantar Mantar right here towards the WFI president, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation and have demanded that the federation be disbanded.

“As IOA President, I’ve been discussing the current matter of wrestlers with the members and for all of us the welfare and well being of the athletes is the top most priority of IOA. We request athletes to come forward and voice their concerns with us. We will ensure a complete investigation to ensure justice. We also have decided to form a special committee to deal with such situations that may arise in the future, for swifter action,” Usha stated in a press release issued by the Indian Olympic Association.

As IOA President, I’ve been discussing the present matter of wrestlers with the members and for all of us the welfare and properly being of the athletes is the highest most precedence of IOA. We request athletes to come back ahead and voice their considerations with us. (1/2)

— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) January 19, 2023

On Thursday, a staff of wrestlers, together with Bajrang, Vinesh, Anshu Malik, Sakshi and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan, met with the federal government officers and mentioned their points with Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Director General SAI Sandip Pradhan and Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal.

During the one-hour assembly, the wrestlers had been requested to finish their protest and warranted that their grievances will likely be addressed. However, the wresters needed a concrete and instant motion and determined to proceed their protest except the WFI president is eliminated and the nationwide federation is disbanded together with all of the state wrestling associations within the nation.

Usha stated she has full religion within the authorities and has urged all of the National Sports Federations (NSFs) to cooperate on this matter. “Though this entire episode is a matter of great concern, I feel extremely assured by the quick response of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, who have sought an explanation from the concerned federation within the next 72 hours.

“I even have full religion within the Government of India, who I’m positive will take the right step in the proper route on this regard. However, because the IOA President, I sincerely hope the athletes, in no way, are denied their rights,” she said.

“The IOA additionally urges all of the National Sports Federations (NSFs) to totally cooperate with all fact-finding companies within the curiosity of Indian sports activities. The IOA may even do all the pieces to safeguard the pursuits of girls athletes,” Usha added.

Featured Video Of The Day

“Root Cause Is Dirty Politics”: Sports Activist Amid #MeToo Protests