Protesting female wrestlers in India have decided to call off their five-month-long dharna against the chief of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The wrestlers had accused Singh of sexually harassing female grapplers and had been protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since January. In a statement circulated on social media, the protesting wrestlers have mentioned that they will continue fighting the battle against Singh – but in the court, and not on the streets. The wrestlers have also said they will wait for the implementation of assurances made by the government, which includes a charge sheet being filed against Singh by June 15.
Top grappler Sakshi Malik took to Twitter to make the announcement, saying the "battle will continue in court". The wrestlers had been promised by the government that a charge sheet would be filed against Singh by June 15, and since it was presented in court on that day, the wrestlers have decided to call off the protest.
However, the struggle for fair selection processes continues. The coaches and parents of several established and upcoming wrestlers have demanded the withdrawal of exemptions granted to Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and three others from Asian Games and World Championships trials, saying the selection for these important events should be fair.
The IOA ad-hoc panel is facing criticism from the wrestling fraternity for allegedly favoring six wrestlers, including Bajrang’s wife Sangeeta Phogat, Sakshi’s husband Satywart Kadian, and Jitender Kinha. The undated letter, addressed to sports minister Anurag Thakur, reads, "It is requested to you that due to their participation in the wrestlers' protest, the below-mentioned wrestlers need some additional time to prepare for the trials for the Asian Games and the World Championships."
The Asian Games are set to begin on September 23, and the delay in the trials has raised questions about the fairness of the selection process. Yogeshwar Dutt, the London Olympic medallist, had questioned the logic of exemption provided to the wrestlers, but as it turns out, the trials have only been delayed, and the wrestlers have been given additional time to prepare.
In conclusion, the struggle of the female wrestlers for their rights and fair selection processes continues. While they have decided to call off their dharna and fight their battle in court, the demand for a fair selection process remains a pressing issue. The wrestling fraternity is calling for transparency and fairness in the selection process, and it is essential that the authorities take the necessary steps to ensure that the selection for the Asian Games and World Championships is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
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