The recent sexual harassment allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by prominent wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat have sent shockwaves through the Indian sports community. This disturbing incident raises serious questions about the safety and protection of female athletes and highlights the insensitivity of the Indian government towards women’s rights. It is imperative to address these allegations and demand accountability from those in power to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for women in sports.
Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat said on Tuesday that they will immerse their medals into Ganga river and then begin a hunger strike at India Gate in New Delhi. India’s top wrestlers were detained by the police on Sunday while they were trying to march to the new Parliament building in New Delhi, to demand the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations.
Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat who have brought laurels to India on the international stage, have shown immense courage in coming forward with their allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. They accuse the WFI chief of sexual harassment, a serious offense that undermines the dignity and well-being of female athletes. These allegations paint a distressing picture of the toxic power dynamics and gender discrimination prevalent within the Indian wrestling fraternity.
“Should we give our medals to the President, who is a woman herself? She was barely two kms away from us but said nothing about our plight. Then we thought, should we return them to the prime minister, who calls us his daughters? But no, not once has he asked us how we have been doing since we started protesting. In fact, the man we are protesting against, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was invited to the inauguration of the new Parliament.”
“We considered who to return the medals to,” the wrestlers said in their statement.
The response from the Indian government to the sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been dishearteningly insensitive. Despite the gravity of the accusations, the government’s silence and lack of decisive action have sent a message that women’s rights and safety are not a priority. The indifference displayed by the government highlights a broader problem of a patriarchal system that perpetuates gender-based violence and fails to provide justice and protection to victims.
The Indian government’s failure to address the issue of sexual harassment within the sporting community reflects a larger pattern of negligence in safeguarding the rights of female athletes. It raises concerns about the absence of comprehensive policies, protocols, and support systems to prevent and address instances of harassment and abuse in sports. This negligence not only places the physical and emotional well-being of athletes at risk but also discourages women from pursuing careers in sports, thereby limiting their opportunities and potential.
Incidents of sexual harassment, coupled with a lack of proactive measures and accountability, create an environment of fear and discrimination. This stifles the growth and potential of female athletes, preventing them from reaching their full capabilities and hampering the overall development of sports in the country.
The allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and the subsequent government inaction underscore the urgent need for systemic changes and a more comprehensive approach towards safeguarding women’s rights in sports. It is essential to establish robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing harassment, develop gender-sensitive policies, and ensure stringent consequences for offenders. Additionally, the government must actively promote gender equality, challenge patriarchal norms, and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect within sporting institutions.
The sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by esteemed wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat expose the deep-rooted issues of gender discrimination and the insensitivity of the Indian government towards women’s rights. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address these allegations, hold the accused accountable, and implement necessary reforms to create a safe and empowering environment for female athletes. Only through such concerted efforts can India truly realize its potential in fostering gender equality and ensuring the well-being of women in the realm of sports.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
