New Delhi. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha on Thursday said she is deeply concerned and disturbed by the allegations of sexual harassment leveled by the country’s top wrestlers against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. He said that the country’s apex sports body will do everything possible to protect the interests of women players.
Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik besides India’s top wrestlers Vinesh Phogat have been on strike against the WFI president for the last two days.
“We request athletes to come forward & voice their concerns with us. We’ll ensure a complete investigation to ensure justice. We also have decided to form a special committee to deal with such situations that may arise in future, for swifter action,” tweets IOA President PT Usha. pic.twitter.com/iZ8v5aarZX
— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2023
She has accused the Speaker of sexual harassment and intimidation. These players have demanded dissolution of the federation. In a statement by the Indian Olympic Association, Usha said, “As a woman and a former sportsperson and currently a sports administrator, I am deeply concerned and troubled by the latest developments in Indian wrestling, in which a section of sportspersons have taken a stand against a senior official of the sport. Serious allegations have been made.”
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Usha said she has full faith in the government and appealed to all National Sports Federations (NSFs) to cooperate in this matter. “Though the matter is a matter of great concern, I am assured of a prompt response from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which has asked the federation to clarify within the next 72 hours,” he added.
Usha said, “I also have full faith in the Government of India and I am sure that it will take appropriate steps in the right direction in this matter. However, as IOA President, I have every hope that the players will not be deprived of their rights under any circumstances. (agency)