'Respond in 3 days': Centre to wrestling body on sexual harassment allegations

"Taking cognizance of the protest staged by wrestlers, including Olympic and CWG medalists, in Delhi today and a press conference in which wrestlers have levelled serious charges of sexual harassment of women wrestlers by the President and coaches of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and of mismanagement in the functioning of the federation, the Sports Ministry has sought an explanation from WFI and directed it to furnish a reply within the next 72 hours on the allegations made.

"In its communication to WFI, the Ministry has stated that "since the matter pertains to the well-being of athletes, the Ministry has taken a very serious view of the matter.", the sports ministry said in a press statement.

"The Ministry has further stated that if WFI fails to furnish the reply within the next 72 hours, the Ministry will proceed to initiate action against the federation in terms of the provisions of the National Sports Development Code, 2011."

The ministry has also cancelled an upcoming wrestling camp for women wrestlers.

"Further, the Women National Wrestling Coaching camp, which was due to start in Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Lucknow from January 18, 2023, with 41 wrestlers and 13 coaches and support staff, has been cancelled," the statement stated.

"The Executive Director of NCOE Lucknow has been directed to provide all facilities to national campers who have already reported and likely to report, till the campers depart from the centre. Necessary information regarding cancellation of the National Coaching Camp has also been sent to all campers."

Vinesh Phogat, the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold in both Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, on Wednesday made some serious allegations against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh.

Holding a massive protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Phogat alleged that "national coaches molested female wrestlers over the years and were given death threats by WFI officials."

She was joined by some top athletes too in her protest. The wrestlers called for the removal of the WFI president from the post.

"We will not compete in any international competition until WFI President is removed," said Bajrang Punia, Olympic bronze medallist wrestler.

Singh has been at the helm of the WFI since 2011. He was elected President of WFI for the third consecutive time in February 2019.