Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian women wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexual harassment against women wrestlers in the country.
“Women wrestlers have been sexually harassed at national camps by coaches and also the WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Sharma. Some of the coaches appointed at national camps have been sexually harassing women Wrestlers for years. The WFI president is also involved in sexual harassment,” said Vinesh Phogat while interacting with the media in Delhi.
In an unprecedented move, top wrestlers of the country, including Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia and world championship medalist Vinesh Phogat sat on dharna against the day-to-day functioning of Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan. The wrestlers were seen protesting in front of Jantar Mantar.
“Many young women Wrestlers have complained to be and cried about being sexually harassed at national camps. At least 20 girls I know who have been sexually harassed at the national camp,” Vinesh said.
She added, “Today I have said this, I don’t know if I will be alive tomorrow. People in WFI are very powerful.”
Speaking to the media, Vinesh also revealed that she was labelled a traitor after her below-par performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“After the Tokyo Olympics defeat, WFI President called me ‘khota sikka’. WFI mentally tortured me. I used to think of ending my life each day. If anything happens to any wrestler, then the responsibility will be on WFI president,” added Vinesh.