The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is being called upon to investigate the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and to strengthen its mechanisms for reporting sexual harassment, according to a report by the Sport and Rights Alliance (SRA) released on Tuesday. This action is being urged in light of ongoing concerns about the safety and treatment of women athletes within the federation.
Background of the Allegations
The call for an investigation follows significant protests by Indian wrestlers in the previous year, who demanded criminal charges against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Singh, who also served as a federal lawmaker, was accused in June 2022 of sexually harassing six female wrestlers during his tenure. These allegations garnered international attention and raised serious concerns about the safeguarding of women athletes in India. Singh has denied all allegations against him.
Notable Incidents and Reactions
In December 2023, after a new WFI president, backed by Singh, was elected, Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik retired from wrestling in protest. This high-profile retirement highlighted the ongoing turmoil within the federation and the impact of the allegations on athletes’ careers.
The SRA’s report emphasizes the need for the IOC to conduct a comprehensive, independent, and trauma-informed investigation into Singh’s actions during his presidency. The report also calls for investigations into additional claims of abuse by other federation officials, coaches, and staff, as well as any retaliatory threats or harassment directed at athletes who reported the abuse.
Recommendations for the IOC
The SRA’s report outlines several recommendations for the IOC:
Overhaul the “Integrity and Compliance Hotline” to ensure it is accessible, trauma-informed, responsive, and free from conflicts of interest.
Establish a regional safeguarding hub in India to provide support and resources for athletes.
Ensure that any future bid from India to host the Olympic Games is contingent upon significant human rights improvements, including reformed governance, increased women in leadership positions, and robust systems to ensure athlete safeguarding and the freedom to speak out.
India’s Olympic Aspirations
India has expressed interest in bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games. However, the SRA has urged the IOC to rigorously assess any bid from the country, taking into consideration the need for comprehensive human rights and safeguarding reforms within Indian sports.
The IOC’s Response and Communication
The IOC has indicated that it is in communication with United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for amateur wrestling, regarding the ongoing situation with the WFI. The SRA director, Andrea Florence, has stressed the urgency of a response from the IOC to address and prevent further instances of abuse, highlighting the importance of enhancing reporting mechanisms and providing support at both national and global levels.
As India prepares for the upcoming Olympics with a six-member team set to compete starting July 26, the calls for reform and accountability within its wrestling federation underscore the broader challenges of ensuring athlete safety and integrity in sports. The international community and the IOC face increasing pressure to take decisive action to address these serious concerns and support the rights and well-being of athletes worldwide.
