Protesting women wrestlers accuse Indian wrestling federation chief of sexual harassment

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - Several Indian women wrestlers on Thursday continued to protest in the national capital New Delhi demanding the removal of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, who has been accused of sexual harassment, a charge he rejected.

Speaking to the media, the country's most decorated women wrestlers on Wednesday accused the member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Wrestling Federation of India president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and other coaches of sexual harassment.

“Women wrestlers have been sexually harassed at national camps by coaches and the WFI president. Some of the coaches have been sexually harassing the women wrestlers for years,” Vinesh Phogat, a top Indian athlete told the media.

Sakshi Malik, another woman wrestler stated that they will reveal the names of those who have been exploited to whosoever is probing the issue.

Bajrang Punia, a top Indian wrestler, alleged that players are also being "mentally harassed."

On Thursday, the protest by the wrestlers continued at the Jantar Mantar heritage site in New Delhi for the second day, with more athletes joining and demanding the removal of the WFI president.

Priyanka Gandhi, a senior leader of India's main opposition Indian National Congress party, said the "voices of these players should be heard." Stating that these players are the pride of the country, Gandhi said on Twitter: “Allegations should be investigated.”

A champion wrestler and Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Babita Phogat, who arrived at the protest site on Thursday to meet the protesting wrestlers, said she would make sure that their issues are resolved.

“I have assured them that the government is with them,” she told the media.

While India's Sports Ministry has sought a response from WFI, Singh denied the allegations and refused to step down.

“I am open to any kind of probe,” Singh said in a statement.