Olympians Accuse WFI Chief Brij Bhusan Sharma Of Sexual Harassment; He Responds

New Delhi: Top Indian female wrestlers accused top coaches and Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment alleging that the practice had been going on for years.

Leading female wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Sangeeta Phogat, Bajrang, Sonam Malik, and Anshu protested in Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and requested changes to the Wrestling Federation of India’s operations and senior leadership (WFI).

During the protests, Vinesh Phogat spoke to the media, sobbing as she described how WFI President and multiple-term MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been tormenting her mentally for years, leading to suicidal thoughts in her.

#Jantar mantar pic.twitter.com/calKOipydH

— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) January 18, 2023

A sobbing Phogat told the media, “Coaches and the WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Sharma sexually harassed female wrestlers during national camps. Some of the national camp coaches have a history of harassing female wrestlers sexually. Additionally, the WFI president is complicit in sexual harassment.

“Many young women wrestlers have complained and cried about being sexually harassed at national camps,” the Commonwealth and Asian Games wrestling star added. I am aware of at least 20 girls who have experienced sexual harassment at the national camp.

When she decided to speak out against the sexual harassment of female athletes, the WFI top boss and other coaches allegedly threatened her with death. She also said that once she rebelled against the organisation as she was referred to as a “khota sikka,” or “useless.”

Meanwhile, WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharma brushed off the allegations of the protesting wrestlers.

It should be mentioned that Singh, in addition to leading WFI, serves as an MP for Kaiserganj, an area in Uttar Pradesh, for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia declared, “Our struggle is not against the government or Sports Authority of India (SAI),” while participating in the protest. This contravenes WFI. Later on in the day, we will provide specifics, Yeh ab aar paar ki ladai hai (it’s a fight to the finish).”