“Come Forward, Tell Us”: PT Usha, Indian Olympic Association Chief, Backs Wrestlers Amid #MeToo Protest

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha on Thursday said she was “deeply concerned and disturbed” by allegations of sexual harassment by famous wrestlers against the president of the Indian Wrestling Federation. India (WFI) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, said that the national Olympic body will do everything possible to protect the interests of the country’s female athletes. Prominent Indian wrestlers including Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik along with Vinesh Phogat and others are organizing a sit-in rally over the past two days at Jantar Mantar here against against the WFI president, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation, and demanded that the union be disbanded.

“As the President of the IOA, I have discussed the current issue of wrestlers with the members and for all of us, the welfare and health of the athletes is our number one priority. IOA We ask athletes to come forward and voice their concerns to us We will ensure a full investigation to ensure justice We have also decided to establish a special committee to deal with such situations that may arise in the future, to take quicker action,” Usha said in a statement issued by the Indian Olympic Association.

As IOA President, I have discussed the current issue of wrestlers with the members and for all of us, the welfare and health of the athletes is IOA’s top priority. . We ask athletes to come forward and express their concerns to us. (1/2)

– PT USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) January 19, 2023

On Thursday, a group of wrestlers, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Anshu Malik, Sakshi and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan, met with government officials and discussed their issues with the Sports Minister Sujata Chaturvedi, SAI General Manager Sandip Pradhan and Secretary General (Sports) Kunal.

During the hour-long meeting, the wrestlers were asked to stop protesting and ensure that their grievances would be resolved. However, the wrestlers wanted concrete and immediate action and decided to continue to protest unless the WFI president was removed from office and dissolved the national federation along with all state wrestling associations. domestic.

Usha said she has full confidence in the government and has called on all National Sports Federations (NSFs) to cooperate in this matter. “While this whole incident is a matter of great concern, I am greatly reassured by the swift response of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which has sought an explanation from the relevant federation. within the next 72 hours.

“I also have full confidence in the Government of India, who I am sure will take the right step and in the right direction in this regard. However, as the President of the IOA, I sincerely hope the best possible outcomes. encouraged, under no circumstances, to be denied their rights,” she said.

“The IAA also urges all National Sports Federations (NSFs) to cooperate fully with all fact-finding bodies for the benefit of Indian sport. IOA will also do everything to protect the rights benefit of female athletes,” added Usha.

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