Some of India’s most distinguished wrestlers led a sit-in protest close to the nation’s parliament on Thursday, accusing the Wrestling Federation’s (WFI) president and coaches of sexual and psychological harassment.

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia led about 100 protestors who demanded the removing of the wrestling physique’s president, Brij Bhushan Charan Singh, and different officers pending the end result of an inquiry into the allegations.

“Women wrestlers have been sexually harassed at national camps by coaches and also the WFI president,” triple Commonwealth Games gold medallist Phogat stated.

“I know at least 10-20 girls in the national camp who have come and told me their stories,” she added.

Singh, who can be a lawmaker representing the governing Bharatiya Janata Party, rejected the accusations and stated he was able to face any probe.

“If there were complaints against me or some coaches, they should have come forward earlier,” he stated.

Wrestling Federation of India too ‘highly effective’

India is a deeply hierarchical society and Phogat stated many wrestlers have been intimidated and never coming ahead due to their humble origins.

“They are scared because of their family background. They can’t fight them because they are powerful,” she stated.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, who’s male, additionally joined the protest. He accused Singh of working the federation in a high-handed method.

“But what if the federation itself creates the problem? Now we have to fight, we will not back down,” he stated.

Sports ministry needs solutions by Friday

Fellow wrestler and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, who was additionally a part of the protest, endorsed the allegations.

“Athletes work hard to win medals for the country, but the federation has done nothing but let us down,” she tweeted.

India’s sports activities ministry had requested the wrestling physique to reply the accusation made by the wrestlers by Friday, “Otherwise, the ministry will proceed to initiate action against the federation.”

lo/ar (AFP, AP)