The International Olympic Committee (IOC) faces criticism from the Sports and Rights Alliance, as detailed in a report released on Tuesday, for not adequately addressing or investigating allegations of sexual harassment and violence within the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
The report, titled “We Were Only Demanding Justice: Sexual Abuse in Indian Wrestling Federation,” highlights the scandal that unfolded over the past year involving the former WFI chief, Brij Bhushan Singh. Singh, who also served as a member of parliament for the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), underwent a criminal trial for allegedly sexually harassing five female wrestlers during his presidency. This led to widespread protests spearheaded by India’s top Olympic wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik.
The protests were met with resistance, including harassment, threats, and detention of the athletes. The report criticizes the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and other national sports bodies for their lack of support and even criticism of the athletes’ approach. The situation escalated in May 2023, when Delhi police detained several protesting wrestlers.
A committee formed by India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to investigate allegations against Singh faced criticism for a perceived sceptical and victim-blaming approach. Despite multiple victim testimonies, the committee did not recommend specific action against Singh. Calls for the IOC to conduct an independent inquiry, such as the urging by the Sports and Rights Alliance in June 2023, have yet to be acted upon as of the report’s release.
Such scandals are not isolated in the sports world. The USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal and other high-profile incidents, such as the federal lawsuit involving Steven Lopez and Jean Lopez, highlight systemic issues within international sports organizations.
The Sports and Rights Alliance recommends a comprehensive, trauma-informed investigation into Singh’s tenure and broader claims of abuse within the WFI. As India prepares its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, the report underscores the need for significant reforms to address such abuses.
For more details, visit the original report on JURIST – News.