Protesting wrestlers skip IOA panel meet, given one last chance to appear - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Protesting wrestlers skip IOA panel meet, given one last chance to appear

Jan 29, 2023 11:23 PM IST

India’s apex sports body and the union sports ministry have formed separate panels to probe sexual harassment charges made by the wrestlers against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

The country’s protesting top wrestlers did not turn up for a meeting with the sexual harassment committee formed by the Indian Olympic Association to investigate their allegations against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. After they skipped the first meeting on Saturday, the wrestlers have been given one final chance to appear before the panel on February 11.

New Delhi, Jan 20 (ANI): Wrestler Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat speak during a silent protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh against whom sexual harassment allegations were made, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on Friday. (ANI Photo/ Ishant) (Ishant )
New Delhi, Jan 20 (ANI): Wrestler Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat speak during a silent protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh against whom sexual harassment allegations were made, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on Friday. (ANI Photo/ Ishant) (Ishant )

It is learnt that the wrestlers, in a letter to the seven-member IOA panel headed by Athletes Commission chairperson MC Mary Kom, said that since some of the members are also in the Oversight Committee appointed by the Union sports ministry, it made little sense to appear before two panels conducting similar investigations.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The five-member Oversight Committee is also headed by woman boxing stalwart Mary Kom and includes 2012 London Olympics wrestling bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt. This panel has been tasked to run the day-to-day affairs of the WFI and probe allegations of “sexual misconduct'', financial impropriety and misgovernance against WFI officials and some coaches.

Dutt’s presence in both the committees is also a sore point for the wrestlers, who feel he had come out in support of WFI president Singh in his media statements.

However, Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia, while objecting to the Oversight Commitee being constituted without the protesting wrestlers being consulted, has said they had no issue with the IOA panel.

Swinging into action within hours of the wrestlers filing a complaint to IOA president PT Usha, IOA called an executive committee meeting and formed the panel as per the Visakha guidelines that deal with sexual harassment.

The other IOA panel members are Alaknanda Ashok, Sahdev Yadav, Dola Bannerjee, Dutt and advocates Talish Ray and Shlok Chandra.

“The wrestlers have been given one last opportunity to present themselves before the panel on February 11 after which the panel will submit its report to the IOA executive committee,” said an official with knowledge of the developments.

Catch all the Latest IPL 2024 news and Live Cricket Score along with WPL Schedule and WPL Points Table related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On