Wrestlers from India, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik have been leading the charge in accusing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and power abuse. Despite lackluster support on the part of these players, they have organized countless demonstrations including high profile sit-ins at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi demanding that Singh steps down and a full scale probe take place.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to these protests has been notably subdued. Although the government established an oversight committee to investigate the claims, the wrestlers have expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and transparency of the process. Notably, Modi has not publicly voiced support for the wrestlers’ cause or their demands for justice.
Just recently, Vinesh Phogat, a top personality behind the protests was disqualified from the Wrestling 50kg final at the Paris Olympics after weighing a few grams more than required. The Prime Minister did not ignore this setback; instead, he endorsed Phogat on his Twitter account by commending her commitment and determination despite her disqualification.
Critics have highlighted the stark contrast between the Prime Minister’s supportive tweet following Phogat’s Olympic disqualification and his perceived inaction during the wrestlers’ protests. The athletes have repeatedly called for more decisive government intervention, emphasising the disconnect between public gestures of support and substantial action.
India’s wrestlers’ journey has been marked by a struggle for justice and recognition from the protests at Jantar Mantar to the Olympic arena, against systemic challenges. In his approach to these matters, Prime Minister Modi has drawn attention to inconsistent recognition of the international sports community and apparent disinterest in domestic complaints, thus generating demands for uniform and significant backing of its athletes. This struggle from Jantar Mantar to the Olympics exhibits how India’s wrestlers exhibit great resilience and determination as they fight for honor and equality in their lives.
