CNN
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Several prominent Indian wrestlers are demanding an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), amid a multi-day protest in New Delhi.
The wrestlers are also calling for the removal of the president and the dissolution of the WFI.
In a letter addressed to the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and shared on Twitterfive wrestlers say “several young wrestlers” have made serious “sexual harassment” complaints against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The wrestlers have been protesting for three days in the Indian capital of New Delhi and have attended several meetings with senior government officials.
Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat, along with four others, said they spoke on behalf of the accusers to protect their identities and did not release details of the young wrestlers’ charges.
In the letter, Phogat herself says she “was mentally harassed and tortured by the WFI President” and says “she almost considered suicide” because of the pressure she was under.
CNN contacted WFI for comment and Vinod Tomar, the federation’s deputy secretary, denied all accusations.
“An investigation is ongoing,” Tomar added. “These are just allegations that have yet to be proven.”
CNN also contacted the president of WFI and his office declined to comment at the time.
The federation also postponed a press conference scheduled for Friday.
Meanwhile, the IOA president expresses her support for the protesting wrestlers. PT Ucha tweeted Thursday that the welfare of the athletes was of the highest priority.
“We are asking athletes to come forward and let us know their concerns. We will ensure a full investigation to ensure justice,” she added.
In the letter, Phogat and his fellow wrestlers say “it took a lot of courage for the wrestlers to come together” and file their complaints against Singh, who is a member of Indian Parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata party.
“We fear for our lives,” they added.
Phogat, the first Indian female wrestler to win gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, tweeted Wednesday“The players want self-respect,” adding that “if the federation doesn’t support them, morale plummets.”
India’s sports ministry has asked WFI to respond to the allegations within 72 hours, India’s sports minister Anurag Thakur told local reporters on Thursday.
In a statement on TwitterPolitician Babita Kumari Phogat, a former wrestler and three-time Commonwealth Games medalist, said she was supportive of her fellow wrestlers.
“I am with my players in this fight. I have full confidence in the government that it will do justice to the sportsmen of the country who raise the honor of the country in the world,” she said.
