Indian Olympic Wrestlers Detained In Sexual Harassment Protest

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Top Wrestlers Detained During Protest

A group of top Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medalists, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, were detained by the police on Sunday as they attempted to stage a protest against the alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers by the president of the national federation.

Allegations of Sexual Harassment

The wrestlers, who have been protesting for over a month, were aiming to march to the new parliament building in New Delhi when they were intercepted by the police. They accuse Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), of sexually harassing multiple female wrestlers. Singh has refuted these allegations.

Temporary Detention and Ongoing Protest

After being detained for several hours, the wrestlers were eventually released on bail. They have resolved to persist with their protest until Singh is apprehended.

IOC Condemns Police Action

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed its disapproval of the police’s intervention against the wrestlers. Spokesperson Mark Adams stated, “We are deeply troubled by the reports of police action taken against Indian wrestlers who were engaged in peaceful protest. We implore the authorities to respect the right to peaceful demonstration.”

Criticism of Government’s Handling

The Indian government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi asserted, “The government should have taken more decisive steps to safeguard the wrestlers. This incident unmistakably demonstrates the government’s suppression of dissenting voices.”

Shedding Light on Widespread Harassment

The wrestlers’ protest has shed light on the prevalent issue of sexual harassment within Indian sports. A recent study conducted by the National Commission for Women unveiled that over 70% of female athletes in India have encountered some form of sexual harassment.

Athletes Demand Protective Measures

This protest underscores the refusal of Indian athletes to tolerate sexual harassment any longer. They are demanding that the government take definitive action to shield them from such abuse.

The detention of Indian Olympic wrestlers amidst their protest against sexual harassment allegations has drawn attention to a significant issue plaguing the country’s sports landscape. Prominent athletes, including Olympic medallists, have come forward to condemn the president of the Wrestling Federation of India for alleged misconduct. While their peaceful demonstration was met with temporary detention, their resilience remains unwavering as they continue to demand justice and a safer environment for all athletes.

The condemnation of the police action by the International Olympic Committee and the criticism directed towards the government highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to address the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in Indian sports. The voices of these athletes serve as a powerful reminder that change must be pursued to safeguard the well-being and dignity of all participants in the realm of sports.