Top Indian women wrestlers at Paris Olympics 2024 have more than medals on the line

A man in Rohtak, India, has come forward with a chilling account of sexual abuse by a powerful sports figure, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India. The man, the guardian of a female wrestler, spoke of fear and intimidation by Singh, who has denied the allegations of sexual harassment. Female wrestlers, including Olympians, have accused Singh of abuse, leading to protests and demands for his removal. However, despite filing police complaints, many complainants and witnesses face threats and offers of money to stay silent. The National Anti-Doping Agency has also been allegedly used to target those who speak out against Singh. The case has had a chilling effect on the wrestling community in Haryana, where female wrestlers have declined in numbers due to fear of abuse. Singh is currently on trial for sexual harassment, but his influence and ties to top leaders in the Bharatiya Janata Party continue to impact the Wrestling Federation of India. The situation has led to a drop in attendance at wrestling academies in Rohtak. Despite the challenges, five women wrestlers from Haryana have qualified for the Paris Olympics, showing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The case highlights the dark side of Indian sports and the struggle for justice and safety for female athletes.

Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com