Wrestlers seek probe panel on sexual harassment allegations against WFI chief

Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik
From left: Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik during the protest in New Delhi. Photo: IANS

New Delhi: The protesting wrestlers on Friday reached out to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), demanding formation of an enquiry committee to probe the allegations of sexual harassment they have levelled against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, a day after threatening to lodge multiple FIRs against the sports administrator.

In a letter addressed to IOA president P T Usha, the wrestlers said they have been informed by several of their younger colleagues about the sexual harassment they faced at the hands of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The letter has been signed by five wrestlers, including Tokyo Olympics medallists Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia.

Rio Games bronze winner Sakshi Malik and World Championship medallists Vinesh Phogat and Deepak Punia have also signed.

The wrestlers reiterated their demand that WFI be disbanded and its president be sacked.

They also demanded that a new committee is formed, in consultation with the wrestlers, to run the affairs of the national federation.

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