New Delhi: Star Indian wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat voiced their frustration and slammed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and their functioning in a sit-in protest at the Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.
Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia while speaking with ANI alleged that “Wrestlers are being harassed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).” He further claimed that “Those who are a part of WFI know nothing about the sport.”
The wrestler took to Twitter and added that “The job of the federation is to support the players, take care of their sporting needs. If there is a problem, it has to be solved. But what if the federation itself creates the problem?”
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat alleged that she was “mentally tortured” and was called “khota sikka” by WFI President post-Tokyo Olympics. She further alleged that “Coaches are harassing women, and some coaches who are favourites of the federation misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls.”
She further claimed that the WFI President has allegedly “sexually harassed so many girls.”
Vinesh Phogat while speaking with ANI added that “They (federation) interfere in our personal lives as well and bother us. They are exploiting us. When we went to the Olympics, we didn’t have physio or a coach.” She further added that “Since we’ve raised our voices, we are being threatened.”
However, the Wrestling Federation of India President Brijbhushan Sharan Singh responded to the allegations and added that “There has been no incident of sexual harassment.”
The WFI President said that “Issues emerge when new rules and regulations are brought in.”
He further added that “I want to ask Vinesh Phogat, why did she wear a costume with a company’s logo on it in the Olympics? After she lost the match, I only encouraged and motivated her.”
Brijbhshan Sharan Singh while speaking about the allegations said that “Sexual harassment is a big allegation. How can I take action when my own name has been dragged into this? I am ready for an investigation.”
Wrestler Bajrang Punia while speaking at the protest added that “The girls here are from respectable families. If our sisters and daughters are not safe here then we cannot accept it. We demand that the federation be changed.”
(With Agency Inputs)
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