A recent article highlights the ongoing trial of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India chief, on charges of sexual harassment. Singh, a powerful figure in Indian sports and politics, has been accused of abusing young wrestlers for over a decade. These allegations have sparked protests and legal action by top wrestlers such as Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who fear for their safety and careers due to Singh’s influence and intimidation tactics. The case has had a chilling effect on the wrestling community in Haryana, a state known for producing Olympic champions, with a significant drop in female wrestlers joining academies due to fear of abuse. The ongoing trial and allegations against Singh have also raised concerns about the National Anti-Doping Agency potentially being used to discredit and harm those who speak out against him. Despite these challenges, five female wrestlers from Haryana have qualified for the Paris Olympics, carrying the hopes of a nation. As the wrestling community grapples with the aftermath of the scandal, the case serves as a reminder of the dark side of sports in India and the need to protect athletes from abuse and harassment.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
Indian women wrestlers competing at the Paris Olympics 2024 have more to gain than just medals
