World Wrestling Body and IOC intervene, express concern over treatment of wrestlers

United World Wrestling (UWW) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) have both issued statements condemning the harassment of the wrestlers and have requested the local law authorities to intervene quickly in order to issue justice.

Amidst the continued struggle and protest by the elite wrestlers in the country in their quest to seek justice after the claims of sexual abuse, harassment, and corruption that they have faced at the hands of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Singh, the United World Wrestling (UWW) has issued a statement condemning the detention of wrestlers during a march to the new Parliament building on Sunday.

UWW has also expressed 'disappointment over the lack of results of the investigations" against the federation chief and threatened to suspend the federation if its elections are not held within 45 days.

"UWW firmly condemns the treatment and detention of the wrestlers. It expresses its disappointment over the lack of results of the investigations so far. UWW urges the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations," the world wrestling body said in a statement.

"UWW will request further information about the next elective general assembly from the 10A and the Ad-hoc Committee of the WFI. The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this elective assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag. It is reminded that UWW already took a measure in this situation by reallocating the Asian Championship planned in New Delhi earlier this year," it added.

"For several months, United World Wrestling has followed with great concern the situation in India where wrestlers are protesting over allegations of abuse and harassment by the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). It has taken due note that the WFI President has been put aside at an early stage and is currently not in charge," UWW stated further.

"As it has already done since the beginning of this situation, UWW will hold a meeting with the wrestlers to inquire about their condition and safety and reconfirm our support for a fair and just resolution of their concerns," it added.

Things took a drastic turn on Sunday when the protesting wrestlers were shoved, harassed, man-handled and detained after their peaceful demonstration towards the new Parliament building. Delhi police personnel even destroyed their protest site at the Jantar Mantar.

This prompted the wrestlers to gather at Haridwar to immerse their medals in the Ganga as a mark of protest against the federation chief. They also wanted to fast unto death in front of the India Gate in New Delhi.

However, they were stopped from doing so after talks with farmer leader Naresh Tikait who has asked for five days’ time.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also stepped in and has expressed concern over the treatment of the elite wrestlers in the country. The IOC spokesperson from Lausanne, Switzerland said that the “treatment” meted out to the athletes over the weekend, when they were manhandled and detained for hours, was “very disturbing.”

The IOC asked for an “unbiased, criminal investigation” into the allegations of sexual harassment and underlined: “We urge that the safety and wellbeing of these athletes is duly considered throughout this process and that this investigation will be speedily concluded.”

The IOC also urged the IOA, headed by P T Usha, which has been conspicuous by its silence so far, to “protect the athletes.”

“The treatment of the Indian wrestling athletes over the weekend was very disturbing. The IOC insists that the allegations by the wrestlers are followed up on by an unbiased, criminal investigation in line with local law. We understand that a first step towards such a criminal investigation has been made, but more steps have to follow before concrete actions become visible,” it further added.