New Delhi: Human rights watchdog The Sport and Rights Alliance (SRA) has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to launch a probe against the Wrestling Federation of India after accusations of sexual harassment rocked the sport last year.
In a report published on Tuesday, SRA also craved that the IOC bolster its ways of reporting cases of sexual harassment.
Last year, several of India’s top wrestlers including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat launched a sit-in protest in New Delhi demanding criminal action against then WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The wrestlers accused Singh of sexually harassing six female wrestlers during his long tenure as the WFI boss, a charge he has denied.
The case grabbed headlines internationally and put a spotlight on the safety of women sportspersons in India. Singh has since been charged by the police and the case in being heard by the Supreme Court.
The allegations forced Singh to not seek re-election but with his trusted lieutenant coming into power, Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi decided to retire in protest.
“It is essential for the IOC to ensure a comprehensive, independent and trauma-informed investigation of Singh’s abuse during his tenure as president of WFI,” the SRA report said, as quoted by Reuters.
The IOC and the WFI is yet to comment on the report published by SRA, a global coalition of non-governmental organisations that promotes human rights in
sports.
India has bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, but the SRA urged the IOC to be strictly evaluate the bid.
“The government of India should urgently act to address the full extent of Singh’s and other incidents of abuse in sports,” the report said, asking the IOC to set up a regional safeguarding hub in India as part of its recommendations.
“The IOC should ensure that any bid from India is contingent on significant human rights improvements, including reformed governance, women in leadership, and systems to ensure safeguarding, and the freedom to speak out for the country’s own athletes.”
Last year, several of India’s top wrestlers launched a sit-in protest in New Delhi demanding criminal action against then WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
