The wrestling community in Rohtak, India has been shaken by allegations of sexual harassment against powerful sports figure Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Several female wrestlers, including top athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, have accused Singh of abusing his position as president of the Wrestling Federation of India to harass and intimidate them. Despite protests and demands for his removal, Singh continues to wield influence through his political connections and network in the sports bureaucracy.
The fear of repercussions has spread throughout Haryana, a state known for producing Olympic champion wrestlers. The case has had a chilling effect on the talent pool in the region, with fewer young girls willing to join wrestling academies due to fears of abuse. Singh, who is currently on trial for sexual harassment, has maintained his ties to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, allowing him to exert control over the WFI and maintain his influence.
The situation has cast a shadow over the upcoming Paris Olympics, where five women wrestlers from Haryana are set to compete. While these athletes carry the hopes of a nation, the fear and uncertainty surrounding Singh’s case continue to loom large. The sport that has brought India Olympic success is now grappling with a tarnished reputation and a community in fear.
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