Tag: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Wrestlers Protest

Women Wrestlers: Grappling For Justice

By Zoha Ather

Respecting and ensuring the well-being of its athletes, from grassroots level to Olympic podiums, is an important aspect of encouraging sports and the sporting spirit for a nation. It is crucial to create an environment that promotes fair competition, equal opportunity and a nurturing environment for the physical and mental health of the sports fraternity. There have been occasions, when athletes, including sportswomen, have been vocal about their rights and have utilized public platforms to raise awareness and demand change when they encounter mistreatment or unfair conditions. Such voicing of concern and activism play a significant role in highlighting grave issues and pushing for reforms within sports organizations and federations.

Unfortunately, the current protests by women wrestlers to raise serious irregularities and injustices that plague the Wrestling Federation of India – allegations of sexual harassment (in many cases assault), unfair selection procedure, and prejudices – have been met with a patriarchal stonewall. These are no ordinary sportspersons; some of them have graced Commonwealth and Olympic podiums, others have World Championship titles to boot; they brought glory and recognition to the National Tricolor on global forums. Today, they are forced to spend nights on pavements at Jantar Mantar under an open sky.

At the center of the controversy is Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Member of Parliament from the ruling BJP who heads the WFI. The defendant has denied all the charges against him and called the protests a conspiracy to remove him from the WFI helm. However, the nature of allegations demand a high-level investigation and scrutiny which has been missing. Such allegations can have significant consequences for the individuals involved, as well as for the reputation and integrity of the sports organizations. When allegations arise, it is important for appropriate investigations to take place to determine the facts and ensure justice is served. This can involve legal processes, disciplinary actions, and the implementation of preventive measures to create a safe and supportive environment for athletes.

The treatment of Olympians varies across different countries and contexts. Olympians are celebrated and honored for their dedication, talent, and achievements in their respective sports. They are often seen as ambassadors for their countries and receive support from their national Olympic committees, sponsors, and fans.

However in India, the mere allegations have disrupted and single-handedly unfolded the bleak nature of the Government of India, which has yet not taken any kind of action against the defendant. The athletes were very vocal about the nature of harassment they had to experience. They spoke about “atrocities and the tyrant-like behavior” of Brij Bhushan that often left female athletes depressed and distressed, angry and frustrated.

The issues surrounding sports management and performance in India are complex and multifaceted. While it is true that there have been instances of corruption and the presence of patriarchal attitudes within sports administration, it would be an oversimplification to attribute the lack of gold medals in the Olympics solely to these factors.

ALSO READ: Women Wrestlers – Betrayed By Their Own

Several factors contribute to a country’s success in international sporting events like the Olympics. These include the overall infrastructure and facilities for sports, grassroots development programs, training and coaching standards, funding and support for athletes, and the cultural and societal attitudes towards sports. It’s essential to address all these factors to enhance India’s performance in the Olympics.

Corruption within sports management can indeed hinder progress and impede the fair selection and development of talented athletes. When decision-making processes are influenced by personal gain or bias, it can undermine the integrity of sports and deprive deserving individuals of opportunities.

Patriarchal attitudes can also limit the participation and development of women athletes. Gender inequality in sports is a global issue, and India is no exception. Encouraging equal opportunities for women in sports, providing support, and breaking down societal barriers are crucial steps toward promoting gender parity and improving performance.

To address these challenges, it is important to implement systemic reforms in sports management, enhance transparency, and establish stringent measures against corruption. Promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and providing equal opportunities for athletes from all backgrounds can help harness the talent and potential of Indian sports.

Moreover, investing in grassroots development programs, modernizing infrastructure, and focusing on athlete-centric training methods are vital for nurturing talent from a young age. Collaboration between government bodies, sports federations, private sector entities, and the civil society can create a conducive environment for sports development and success.

India has produced some accomplished women wrestlers who have achieved success at both national and international levels. Wrestlers like Geeta Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat have brought pride to the nation by winning medals in various international competitions, including the Olympics and it is important for the government of India to listen to their voice and support them at every step. This recent event has however shown the brutal and delay in the action taken by the government of India regarding this crucial issue. A country should treat Olympians with respect, recognition, and support. Olympians dedicate years of their lives to rigorous training and represent their country on world stage.

It’s important to acknowledge that progress takes time, and building a robust sports ecosystem requires sustained efforts and investment. By addressing the issues within sports management, promoting transparency, inclusivity, and talent development, India can strive towards better performances in future Olympic Games.

‘Wrestlers Protest is Tamasha; Haryana Wants Its Dominance Back in WFI’

By LokMarg

Sanjay Rai, an international grappler from Gorakhpur, UP, says Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is being targeted for bringing transparency in Wrestling Federation. His views:

I am a wrestler myself and I believe in plainspeak. So I will not mince any words in sharing my opinion on the current protest at Jantar Mantar which is organised by a select few champion wrestlers. The real reason behind the protest is that many wrestlers from Haryana did not like the reforms and transparency brought into the sport by existing Wrestling Federation president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who belongs to Uttar Pradesh.

So the real issue is regional dominance in wrestling. About 10 years ago, the WFI was in complete control of Haryana, be they officer bearers or wrestlers. After Brij Bhushan took charge of the Federation, all the budding and established wrestlers were given a fair chance to prove their mettle on the mat. However, this angered a clique of politicians and senior wrestlers from Haryana who until then had a free run and felt their sense of entitlement was being challenged.

Allow me to explain it more clearly. Every wrestler has a golden period in term of his or her sporting career where he or she gives peak performance. This period is also short–lived and one’s body and performance begins to ebb away after taking the rough and tumble. Ideally, every player must realise this decline and make way for the younger batch to take over. But many find it difficult to digest this truth and wish to cling on to their position on the back of their past achievements.

This is what has happened here too. Prior to Brij Bhushan’s regime in WFI, all the star wrestlers from Haryana were given a ‘wild card’ entry to participate in international tournaments. This practice was challenged by Brij Bhushan and all wrestlers were asked to prove their fitness and skills by competing with the new crop of wrestlers in the Nationals. This much-needed reform caused much heartburn among Haryana’s wrestler community and triggered the ‘revolt’ at Jantar Mantar to unseat Brij Bhushan from WFI helm.

ALSO READ: ‘There is Pressure on Star Sportsperson to Keep Quiet’

Earlier too some of these ‘disgruntled’ player had chosen to protest at Jantar Mantar, at a time when the WFI was organising National Ranking Series in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh. The Series was a first in the country to allow all wrestlers a fair representation and ranking for benefits like government jobs or official positions in sports bodies.

Ageing is a biological phenomenon and no one can remain young and agile forever. As a wrestler’s body ages, one must step aside for the new generation and look for other options such as coaching, commentary, or a promotional role in the sport. And this is true of all forms of competition as this will help infuse fresh blood and life in the sports. A sportsperson must set aside one’s ego for the sake of the sports and the country.

As told to Rajat Rai

NADA Suspends Bajrang

I Have Full Faith In Judiciary: WFI Chief Brij Bhushan

By LokMarg

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Friday that he has full faith in the judiciary amid the sexual harrasment allegations against him levelled by several wrestlers.

Delhi Police on Friday apprised the Supreme Court that it agreed to register an FIR based on the allegations levelled by wrestlers against the WFI chief.
“I have full faith in the judiciary. I am not running anywhere. I am in my house. By now a case must have been filed against me. I will cooperate with Delhi Police. Whatever the decision of the Supreme Court, I will follow it. Ask the players who are protesting about the allegations against me,” Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh told ANI.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi Police, apprised the SC bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud that Delhi Police will register the FIR by this evening.

Appearing for the wrestlers, senior advocate Kapil Sibal urged the court to also issue directions to provide safety to a minor girl, one of the petitioner wrestlers, due to the threat to her. Sibal said he is worried about the safety of the minor girl and other wrestlers.

SG Tushar Mehta said that all these concerns can be addressed by the police.

Top wrestlers have resumed their sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar here in the national capital after filing a complaint at the Connaught Place police station on Friday stating that seven female wrestlers, including one minor, were harassed and exploited by Brij Bhushan in his capacity as WFI chief.

Earlier in the day protesting wrestlers held a press conference at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia and star wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik on Friday said that they will continue their protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh until he is sent behind bars.

Indian wrestlers are protesting at Jantar Mantar in the national capital against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Top Indian grapplers such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and many other wrestlers are involved in the protest against the WFI chief.

On the 6th day of the protest, wrestlers addressed the media after the Delhi Police agreed to register an FIR against the WFI President.

“I’d like to thank all the athletes who have come out in our support. Abhinav Bindra and Neeraj Chopra have supported us because they understand the value of athletes. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh should be imprisoned soon. He’d continue to misuse his position and he needs to be put behind bars. We’ll protest till the time he goes to jail. We also have to see the sections that the Delhi police have imposed on him. People who felt that our protest will be over after the FIR were wrong and we are in our right to decide on it. All of us protesting need security and the complainants need security because you never know who wants to harm us,” Bajrang Punia said at the press conference.

Star grappler Phogat appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack the WFI chief from all positions.

“We don’t trust Delhi police, they took 6 days to register an FIR. We’ll see what they do. We are adamant about our stand to imprison the WFI President. I appeal to the Prime Minister of India to remove the WFI president from all his responsibilities. This is related to all the sports and I’d urge them to come out in our support and I want to stay in touch with all of them. This is when you safeguard the future of sports and athletes in the country. All the renowned sports people should come out and support us and save Indian sports. If they don’t come out today, they’ll never be able to safeguard India’s sporting culture,” Vinesh Phogat said at the press conference.

“We have already given enough evidence and if anything else is required, we’ll present it to Supreme Court not to the Delhi police. This is not a fight to register an FIR. This is a fight against one person who already has 85 cases against him. We need to free wrestling of corrupt people. We’ll respect the decision made by Supreme Court and will act according to their orders,” she added.

“I’d like to thank all the women who’ve come out in our support. We don’t trust the Delhi police at all, they registered the FIR after Supreme Court’s orders. We just demand a fair investigation. We just want Brij Bhushan to be removed from all the positions and he should be punished accordingly and only then we’ll end our protest,” Sakshi Malik said. (ANI)

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Sania In Support Of Indian Wrestlers

Sania Comes Out In Support Of Indian Wrestlers

By LokMarg

India’s ace tennis player Sania Mirza too has come out in support of wrestlers who are protesting at Jantar Mantar here in the national capital against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.

Sania said in a tweet that as an athlete as well as a woman, it is too “difficult” to watch the ongoing protest and now it’s time to stand with the wrestlers in this difficult time.
“As an athlete but more as a woman this is too difficult to watch .. they’ve brought laurels to our country and we have all celebrated them, with them .. if you have done that then it’s time to now stand with them in this difficult time too .. this is a highly sensitive matter and serious allegations. I hope whatever the truth is justice is served.. sooner rather than later,” said Sania Mirza in her tweet.

Along with Sania, Indian field hockey player Rani Rampal also came forward to extend her support to the wrestlers who continue to protest at Jantar Mantar.

“Extremely painful to see our renowned wrestlers demanding justice on the streets of India it tears me apart to see my fellow athletes in this situation who have worked hard in their lives and won great laurels for our beloved country. They deserve justice,” said Rani Rampal in her tweet.

Earlier Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra on Friday came in support of the ongoing wrestlers’ protest and said that he was ‘hurt’ to see athletes on the streets demanding justice.

“It hurts me to see our athletes on the streets demanding justice. They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud,” the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist said in a tweet on Friday. Indian wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar here in the national capital against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.

Top Indian grapplers such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and many others wrestlers are involved in the protest against the WFI chief.

Having waited for three months, star wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia again started their protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Sunday and said that they took the step after alleging that no action has been taken in the matter and said that the FIR had not been registered against the WFI chief. (ANI)

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Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) gangster Hashim Baba

Police Agree To Register FIR Against WFI Prez Brij Bhushan

By LokMarg

Delhi Police on Friday apprised the Supreme Court that it agreed to register an FIR based on the allegations levelled by wrestlers against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi Police, apprised the SC bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud that Delhi Police will register the FIR by this evening.
Appearing for the wrestlers, senior advocate Kapil Sibal urged the court to also issue directions to provide safety to a minor girl, one of the petitioner wrestlers, due to the threat to her. Sibal said he is worried about the safety of the minor girl and other wrestlers.

SG Tushar Mehta said that all these concerns can be addressed by the police.

The top court directed Delhi police to make an adequate assessment of threat perception and provide security to minor girl, who is a gold medalist. The court also asked Delhi Police to file an affidavit mentioning steps taken to provide security to the minor girl. The court listed the matter for May 5.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued has notice to Delhi Police on a wrestlers’ plea seeking registration of FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan. The court has noted that there is a serious allegation that is contained in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India. The court had also clarified that the identity of the petitioners shall be redacted for the purpose of this petition.

The apex court’s direction came after Sibal along with another senior advocate Narendra Hooda pleaded for an urgent hearing on the wrestlers’ petition.

Sibal had apprised the SC that these are women wrestlers which include a minor.

Wrestlers have urged the top court to issue directions to Delhi police to lodge the FIR against Brij Bhushan as there is an inordinate delay in doing so.

WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was accused by the wrestlers of sexual misconduct and intimidation. The government established a five-member oversight council to oversee WFI operations. Boxer Mary Kom is heading the oversight committee which was formed to probe into the allegations levelled against the WFI and its chief Singh and other coaches.

On Monday, Delhi Police sought a report from the investigation committee set up by the Union Sports Ministry to investigate the allegations and has begun a probe into the fresh complaint by wrestlers.

After a protest led by some prominent wrestlers of the country this January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formation of an ‘oversight committee’ to probe allegations levelled against the WFI and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches.

The committee was tasked with submitting a report on the issue to the ministry.

Top wrestlers have resumed their sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar here in the national capital after filing a complaint at the Connaught Place police station on Friday (April 21) stating that seven female wrestlers, including one minor, were harassed and exploited by Brij Bhushan in his capacity as WFI chief.

Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) has issued a notice to Delhi Police to register an FIR on the issue.

Top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Dahiya, and Sakshi Malik, held a sit-in protest in Jantar Mantar in January this year, demanding that Brij Bhushan be removed from the head office and the Wrestling Federation of India be disbanded.

They had accused the WFI body and its chief of sexual harassment and mistreatment of wrestlers. (ANI)

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Neeraj Chopra India's Paris Olympics 2024

Neeraj Comes In Support Of Wrestlers’ Protest

By LokMarg

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra on Friday came in support of the ongoing wrestlers’ protest, and said that he was ‘hurt’ to see athletes on the streets demanding justice.

“It hurts me to see our athletes on the streets demanding justice. They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud,” Tokyo Olympics gold medallist said in a tweet on Friday.
He said,” As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not.”

“What’s happening should never happen. This is a sensitive issue, and must be dealt with in an impartial and transparent manner. Pertaining authorities must take quick action order to ensure that justice is served,” Chopra added.

Indian wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar here in the national capital against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.

Top Indian grapplers such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and many other wrestlers are involved in the protest against the WFI chief.

Having waited for three months, star wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia again started their protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Sunday and said that they took the step after alleging that no action has been taken in the matter and said that the FIR has not been registered against the WFI chief.

Ace India wrestler Sakshi Malik broke down while interacting with the media as wrestlers protest at Jantar Mantar.

“We wanted to file a sexual harassment FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. We got a complaint filed two days ago but FIR has not been registered yet. There are seven female wrestlers and one of them is a minor. We want the investigation to happen fast. It is a sensitive matter. We are being framed as liars which we cannot bear. We are waiting for two and a half months now but no one is listening. People are saying we are spent force that is why we are protesting. We just won a medal at CWG 2022,” Sakshi Malik told the media at Jantar Mantar.

“It is being heard that we are finished, that is why we are protesting. For two and a half months the government has not taken any action. We cannot reveal the name of a minor. Otherwise, her name and career will get spoilt,” she added.

Earlier in January this year, top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Dahiya and Sakshi Malik, held a sit-in protest in Jantar Mantar, demanding that Brij Bhushan be removed from the head office and Wrestling Federation of India be disbanded.

They had accused the body and its chief of sexual harassment and mistreatment of wrestlers.

Following the protest, in January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formation of an ‘oversight committee’ to probe allegations levelled against the Wrestling Federation of India and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches.

The committee was given the task of submitting a report on the issue to the Ministry.

Earlier, India’s first individual Olympic gold medal-winning shooter and member of the Olympics Athletes Commission, Abhinav Bindra expressed support for Indian wrestlers who are protesting at Jantar Mantar in the national capital against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.

Abhinav Bindra supported the wrestlers in their protest with a poignant tweet on Wednesday.

“As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration,” Bindra tweeted.

“My heart goes out to all those who have been affected. We must ensure that this issue is handled properly, with the athletes’ concerns heard and addressed fairly and independently. This incident highlights the crucial need for a proper safeguarding mechanism that can prevent harassment and ensure justice for those affected. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all athletes to thrive in,” he added. (ANI)

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Wrestlers Justice

Forced To Run From Pillar To Post To Get Justice: Wrestlers

By LokMarg

In a petition filed by wrestlers in the Supreme Court seeking registration of FIR against the Wrestlers Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan, said that they are being forced to run from pillar to post to get justice.

“The attitude of the police was shockingly rude towards the complainants and this is a grave injustice and a clear violation of their basic human rights”, stated the wrestlers in the petition.
The petition further stated that the police has taken the complaints and did not even issue a formal receipt of the complaint.

“As per print media, it is in circulation that the accused in fact has been given clean-chit in the matter and the committee report is lying at the Ministry of Sports and despite requests the report is not being made public”, the wrestlers further stated in the petition.

The wrestlers also added that even after being sexually, emotionally, mentally, and physically exploited by the accused and his close aids on numerous occasions, the Petitioners along with other wrestlers mustered up the courage to raise their voices before the appropriate authority against such acts and sat on protest (dharna) at Jantar Mantar seeking appropriate action against the perpetrators.

Pursuant to the same, the Ministry of Sports in the wake of such allegations against the accused person, vide Public Notice dated January 23, 2023, decided to constitute a 5 – member oversight committee to investigate the allegations on the receipt of the complaints received on the behest of the Petitioners.

The oversight committee took note of the allegations, and the statements of the victims were recorded. However, it is distressing to know that despite the committee being formed, no concrete steps have been taken to address this critical issue, the petition said.

“Petitioners are the Women wrestlers of this country who have dedicated their lives to bringing great pride to this nation through their constant hard work and dedication. But unfortunately, these female Olympians are being subjected to sexual harassment by individuals who are taking advantage of their vulnerable positions”, the petitioners said.

The petition said, “The accused person, in this case, is an influential person and is misusing the process of law to evade justice and further manipulating the legal system and obstructing justice.”

Despite filing complaints which ex-facie disclose the commission of a cognizable offence, the Delhi Police in complete disregard of the law laid down by the Constitutional Bench of the top Court has failed to register FIRS against the persons accused, the petition said.

“In spite of the lapse of 3 days i.e., from 21.04.2023 to 24.04.2023, no conclusive action has been taken by the Delhi Police. This clearly depicts a sad state of affairs and a clear violation of human rights. It is the responsibility of the police to ensure the safety of all citizens,” The plea said.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear the wrestler’s plea and issued notice to Delhi Police, asking the police to file a reply to the petition. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Friday. (ANI)

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Vinesh and yogeshwar slams

‘Not Consulted’: Wrestlers Say Unhappy With Probe Panel

By LokMarg

India’s ace wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sarita Mor on Tuesday expressed their disappointment over not being consulted before the Oversight Committee was formed and said that they were assured that they would be consulted before the formation.

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced on Monday that the oversight committee has been formed to probe into the sexual harassment allegations levelled against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Boxing great and Olympic medalist Mary Kom will head the five-member Oversight Committee.

“We were assured that we would be consulted before the Oversight Committee was formed. It is very sad that we were not even consulted before the formation of this committee. @narendramodi @AmitShah @ianuragthakur,” Vinesh Phogat wrote in a tweet.

Other star wrestlers, Sakshee Malikkh and Bajrang Punia tweeted the same on their official Twitter handles.

The announcement of the commitment was made by Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday. Thakur announced on Monday that boxer Mary Kom will be heading the oversight committee formed to probe into the allegations levelled against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches.

“Oversight Committee has been formed today. Mary Kom will head the Oversight Committee. For the coming month, the committee will investigate the allegations put up by the wrestlers,” Thakur told the media in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

“Assistant Secretary WFI was sacked and an oversight committee will begin an impartial probe so that everything gets clear,” Anurag Thakur said.

Meanwhile, the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) Annual General Body Meeting (AGM), which was supposed to start at 10 am on Sunday in Ayodhya, was called off amid the ongoing battle between the wrestlers and its governing body in the country.

Following the wrestlers’ protest, this meeting was seen as being of utmost importance. The development comes after the central government on Saturday evening suspended WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar. Along with this, the activities of WFI were immediately banned till the completion of the investigation into the allegations of the wrestlers.

After late-night parleys with the protesting star grapplers, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Friday night announced that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will ‘step aside’ from the day-to-day affairs of the WFI till the ‘oversight committee’ led by Olympian MC Mary Kom completes its inquiry into the allegations against him.

The probe committee has been given a mandate of four weeks to submit its report, the minister added. The wrestlers, who were protesting at Jantar Mantar, called off their protest after a meeting with Union Sports Minister Thakur on Friday. (ANI)

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WFI Secy Vinod Tomar

First Head Rolls: Sports Ministry Suspends WFI Secy Vinod Tomar

By LokMarg

The Union Ministry of Sports announced the suspension of Vinod Tomar, assistant secretary of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday.

The suspended WFI official denied any communication regarding his suspension, stating that this news reached him through ANI when the news agency contacted him to get a reaction to this announcement.

“I did not know about this. I only learned through a call from ANI that I have been suspended. I did not get any prior information regarding this. I have not done anything wrong,” Vinod Tomar, told ANI on Saturday.

Tomar on Saturday termed the charges against the federation’s president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh ‘baseless’.

Speaking to ANI, Tomar said the wrestlers, who sat in a dharna at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and levelled allegations of sexual harassment and financial impropriety against the WFI president, have not produced any evidence to support their claims.

“The allegations are baseless. It has been 3-4 days (since the wrestlers sat in protest) and they still haven’t produced any evidence. I have been associated with them for the past 12 years and I never came across any such incident or allegation,” Tomar told ANI.

He added that the WFI president has stepped aside from his post pending the probe against him by the Union Sports ministry.

“He has stepped aside from his post till the ongoing investigation against him concludes. He hasn’t resigned but has distanced himself from the day-to-day affairs of the WFI, pending the probe,” Tomar added.

After getting guarantees from the government that their grievances against the WFI chief and other top office bearers would be redressed, the Indian wrestlers called off their protest late on Friday night.

After late-night parleys with the protesting star grapplers, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur announced that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will ‘step aside’ from the day-to-day affairs of the WFI till the seven-member ‘oversight committee’ led by Olympian MC Marykom completes its inquiry into the allegations against him.

The probe committee has been given a mandate of four weeks to submit its report, the minister added. (ANI)

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Centre on Activities of Wrestling Federation

Wrestlers Meet With Anurag Thakur To Continue Today

By LokMarg

Meeting of wrestlers with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur at his residence continued for hours, but still ended on an undecisive note on Friday morning.

The sportspersons have alleged Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan of sexual misconduct and harassment, and thus have been demanding his resignation and action against him. The Sports Minister, however, has assured that the issue will be resolved soon.
The Wrestling sportspersons–Sakshee Malikkh, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Dahiya and other wrestlers left Thakur’s residence after meeting him for three hours.

According to the sources, the meeting remained fruitful, but there were many points that remained undiscussed. Hence, the meeting will continue at the Sports minister’s residence this morning.

They met the minister in connection with their protest and allegations against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief.

Thakur arrived at his Delhi residence from Chandigarh after many [protesting] wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Mallikkh, levelled charges of sexual harassment of women wrestlers by the president and coaches of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and of mismanagement in the functioning of the federation.

Earlier in the day, champion wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat arrived at the protest site at Jantar Mantar in Delhi where they continued their sit-in protest for the second day demanding action against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and other officials against alleged sexual exploitation of several athletes and “harassment of wrestlers by the WFI through its arbitrary rules and regulations”.

“I have assured them that the government is with them. I will try that their issues are resolved today,” Babita Phogat said after addressing the gathering.

Babita, who is a deputy director in the Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Department, and a former wrestler had earlier tweeted, “I stand with all my fellow players in this matter of wrestling. I assure all of you that I will work to raise this issue with the government at every level, and the future will be decided the way players feel right.”

Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a ‘khota sikka’ after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

On Wednesday, taking cognizance of the protest staged by wrestlers, including Olympic and Commonwealth Games (CWG) medalists, the Sports Ministry has sought an explanation from WFI and directed it to furnish a reply within the next 72 hours on the allegations made.

The Ministry stated that if WFI fails to furnish the reply within the next 72 hours, the Ministry will proceed to initiate action against the federation in terms of the provisions of the National Sports Development Code, 2011.

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Wednesday said that wrestlers, who made allegations of sexual harassment against coaches, should have approached the Federation with their names earlier.

The WFI president claimed that 97 per cent of wrestlers are with the BFI and those protesting were pressured into it.

He denied any incident of sexual harassment.

“There has been no incident of sexual harassment. If such a thing has happened, then I will hang myself,” said the WFI president during a press conference.

He also said that he is ready for an investigation.

“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,” he added.

To this, Bajrang Punia on Thursday said that the wrestlers have “proof” of the allegations levelled against the Wrestling Federation of India and its chief and demanded that the body should be dissolved.

“The WFI president stated that he will hang himself if the sexual harassment allegations are found to be true. Earlier there were just two girls who had come forward but now 5-6 girls have raised their voices and that too along with the proof. We are not making bogus claims,” Punia said.

“Our aim is to revive wrestling in India. If actions are not taken promptly we will take the help of the police and judiciary,” he added.

Punia alleged that WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has influence not just in the organisation but in state wrestling associations as well.

“We want the Federation to be dissolved and not just the resignation of the WFI President as he will ensure that another close aide of his takes the seat and then act on his muse. This also holds true for state wrestling associations as the current WFI president has linkups there too. We want the WFI to be dissolved and that is our demand from the government,” the Arjuna awardee said.

Clarifying that the wrestlers are not staging the protest against the government, he said, “Our fight is with the WFI and not the government as they have always supported us be it either the Haryana government or the central government”.

Olympic medalist Sakshee Malikkh also voiced her concerns and said “only assurances have been given but no concrete actions have been confirmed”.

“We want a fresh start for the WFI and state associations. No satisfactory response has been received by us.”

Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Ravi Dahiya was also present at the protest. “We have not received any satisfactory response and are waiting for it. If we don’t get any concrete resolution we will take legal way,” he said. (ANI)

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