Vinesh Phogat Alleges WFI Chief, National Coaches Sexually Harassed Female Wrestlers For Years
Hope action is taken against those found guilty.
One of the celebrated wrestlers of India, Vinesh Phogat, has come forward to accuse the Wrestling Federation of India Chief and BJP MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of sexual harassment. She addressed a media gathering on January 18, 2023, and revealed that the harassment of female wrestlers has been happening for years now and how the Federation has not been supportive of the players either. Vinesh Phogat also staged a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Other prominent wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Sangeeta Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Anshu Malik also were present to support Vinesh during the dharna.
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As per reports, in her interaction with the media, Vinesh Phogat alleged that the female wrestlers at the training camps are sexually harassed by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches. She also said that many of the coaches who are appointed at national camps have been harassing female wrestlers for many years now. Phogat has also detailed how these wrestlers are exploited.
She said that the reason why the camp is scheduled at Lucknow is that Singh has a house in the city and therefore, it makes it easy for him to harass the girls. She also alleged that coaches ‘trouble’ them very much and also interfere in their personal lives.
#Jantar mantar pic.twitter.com/calKOipydH
— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) January 18, 2023
The 28-year-old wrestler also slammed the Federation in a strong-worded tweet. She wrote that every player wants to play with respect and is determined to win medals at international tournaments for their nation. She also writes that players lose their morale when the federation does not support them. But they will not compromise anymore and will fight for their rights.
खिलाड़ी आत्मसम्मान चाहता है और पूरी शिद्दत के साथ ओलंपिक और बड़े खेलो के लिए तैयारी करता है लेकिन अगर फेडरेशन उसका साथ ना दे मनोबल टूट जाता है।लेकिन अब हम नही झुकेंगे।अपने अधिकारों के लिए लड़ेंगे।#BoycottWFIPresident#BoycottWrestlingPresident@PMOIndia @narendramodi @AmitShah
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) January 18, 2023
Vinesh also shared a photo from the protests at Jantar Mantar where she was holding India’s flag along with others.
#Jantarmantar pic.twitter.com/Q9otWpXoLw
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) January 18, 2023
In a dramatic response to the Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medalist’s allegations, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said that no one except Vinesh has come forward with the allegations that the WFI exploited the female wrestlers. He also added that he can be ‘hanged’ the day another wrestler comes forward to say it.
Also read: Ms. Marvel Actor Mohan Kapur Accused Of Sexual Harassment, Allegedly Asked For Nude Pictures From A 15-Year-Old
We’re hoping these allegations are investigated thoroughly and the ones found guilty of his misbehaviour are held accountable and punished.
