The wrestling community is dealing with a grave issue that has surprised everyone. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh have come under attack from Vinesh Phogat, is the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold in the Asian and Commonwealth Games. She claimed that national coaches have allegedly assaulted female wrestlers over the years. She participated in a large protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, alongside other prominent Indian wrestlers. They demanded the WFI president’s removal. Vinesh Phogat’s charges of molestation cast light on the potential systemic issues and power abuse that have persisted in Indian wrestling.
Thirty wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar, including Rio Olympics medalist Sakshi Malik, world championship medalist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha, and CWG medalist Sumit Malik. Also, Vinesh Phogat expressed her outrage, stating that the coaches have exploited young girls, causing harm to many. She emphasized the severity of the situation and the impact it has had on these vulnerable athletes.
Seeking Justice and Transparency
In a significant turn of events, a new development has surfaced in the case involving allegations of sexual harassment within Indian wrestling. Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, who previously expressed his willingness to undergo a polygraph test to prove his innocence, now faces a counter-demand from the wrestlers involved. The wrestlers have requested a narco test for the complainants in response to Singh’s offer. BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, addressing the allegations on Facebook, stated that he is ready to undergo either a narco-analysis or a polygraph test. However, he proposed that wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia should also undergo these tests alongside him.
What are these tests? Narco-analysis, also called a truth serum test, involves recording and analyzing the subject’s responses to extract important information. On the other hand, a polygraph test, also known as a lie detector test, measures physiological responses to determine truthfulness. Both techniques are controversial, with doubts about their scientific validity and potential for errors.
In the wake of the sexual harassment allegations within Indian wrestling, wrestler Vinesh Phogat has voiced her readiness to undergo a narco test alongside fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia. Phogat expressed the desire for the narco test to be broadcast live, stressing the importance of bringing to light the alleged atrocity committed against them. Also, wrestler Sakshi Malik urged the public to join their protest at India Gate on Tuesday, seeking support in their quest for justice. Malik emphasized the peaceful nature of their efforts and encouraged others to participate in a candle march. The wrestlers’ calls for a narco test and public support highlight their determination to shed light on the alleged misconduct and seek redress.
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