Title: Abuse scandal rocks Indian wrestling community
In Rohtak, India, a chilling account of sexual abuse within the Indian wrestling community has come to light, with a man revealing the abuse of young wrestlers by a powerful figure in the sport. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a politician and president of the Wrestling Federation of India, has been accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers for over a decade. Despite public protests and demands for his removal, Singh continues to wield power and influence, using intimidation tactics to silence his victims.
Top freestyle wrestlers, including Olympians and world champions, have spoken out against Singh, detailing a culture of sexual abuse that he allegedly created and encouraged during his tenure. However, the victims and their supporters have faced threats and intimidation, with attempts to discredit and silence them using tactics such as framing them in doping cases.
The scandal has had a chilling effect on the wrestling community in Haryana, a state known for producing champions. Parents are now reluctant to enroll their daughters in wrestling academies, fearing for their safety. Despite the achievements of female wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat and others who have qualified for the Paris Olympics, the shadow of abuse looms over the sport.
Singh is currently on trial for sexual harassment and is no longer the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India. However, his influence continues through proxies within the federation, causing a decline in the talent pool as aspiring wrestlers are deterred by the sport’s tarnished reputation. The scandal highlights the need for a safe and empowering environment for women in sports and the urgent need for accountability and reform within the Indian wrestling community.
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