Wrestling Federation of India president sexually harassed girls, alleges Vinesh Phogat; wrestlers protest at Jantar Mantar

WFI mentally tortured me, alleges Vinesh Phogat; Punia calls for change in management

Wrestlers, including Olympians Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malikkh, on January 18 protested against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) at Jantar Mantar.

The first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at both the Asian and Commonwealth Games, Vinesh Phogat, alleged that coaches are harassing women. “Some coaches who are favourites of the federation misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls. The WFI president has sexually harassed so many girls.”

Echoing Phogat’s statement, Punia said, wrestlers are being harassed by the WFI through its “arbitrary rules and regulations”. Those who are a part of WFI know nothing about the sport.

“Wrestlers don’t want to tolerate the ongoing dictatorship,” Punia said. He urged that the management of the WFI be changed. “We hope the Prime Minister and Home Minister will support us,” he told ANI.

“After the Tokyo Olympics defeat, WFI President called me ‘ khota sikka’. WFI mentally tortured me. I used to think of ending my life each day. If anything happens to any wrestler, then the responsibility will on WFI president,” Phogat added.

The Federation required all wrestlers, regardless of their position, to appear in trials, which is the likely reason for the protest.

(With ANI inputs)