Wrestlers' protest: WFI elections put on hold, IOA to constitute committee to manage federation

The protesting wrestlers allege that no action has been taken against the BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh in alleged sexual harassment charges against him and this is for the second time that these wrestlers had to stage a protest in Delhi.

New Delhi: Days after prominent Indian Wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik started their protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Singh, the sports ministry has decided to ask Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to run the daily affairs of the WFI.

"The Indian Olympic Association on Monday said they will constitute an ad-hoc committee to conduct elections of the Executive Committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) within 45 days of its formation and to manage the day-to-day affairs of WFI." In addition, the Ministry of Youth Services and Sports has declared the May 7 WFI elections as null and void.

This development came two days after prominent wrestlers began their protest against the WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. These wrestlers have been alleging that no action has been taken against the BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh in alleged sexual harassment charges against him and this is for the second time that these wrestlers had to stage a protest in Delhi.

Before starting the sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar, the wrestlers filed a police complaint with the Connaught Place police station where seven women wrestlers, including a minor girl, alleged that Singh had sexually assaulted them.

Talking to reporters on Monday, they said, "This is for the second time that we have to stage a protest here. Nearly 3 months ago when we staged the protest against Brij Bhushan, we were given assurance that action will be taken. But till now, no action has been taken against the culprits. The way the probe is being carried out is not good. We don't know what is happening and there is partiality and secrecy. We urge the authorities to deliver justice", they said.