Sports Ministry seeks explanation from WFI in 72 hours after serious allegations from Indian wrestlers

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New Delhi, Jan 18: Following star Indian wrestlers' scathing allegations of sexual harassment of women's wrestlers and mismanagement of the Wrest Federation of India, Sports Ministry released a statement demanding Brij Bhushan Singh-led WFI's explanation on the matter on Wednesday night.

"Taking cognizance of the protest staged by wrestlers, including Olympic and CWG medalists, in Delhi today and a press conference in which wrestlers have levelled serious charges of sexual harassment of women wrestlers by the President and coaches of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and of mismanagement in the functioning of the federation, the Sports Ministry has sought an explanation from WFI and directed it to furnish a reply within the next 72 hours on the allegations made," read the statement by the Sports Ministry.

Sports Ministry calls off women's national camp in Lucknow

In its communication to WFI, the ministry has stated that "since the matter pertains to the well-being of athletes, the Ministry has taken a very serious view of the matter."

The ministry has further stated that if WFI fails to furnish the reply within the next 72 hours, the Ministry will proceed to initiate action against the federation in terms of the provisions of the National Sports Development Code, 2011.

Vinesh Phogat accuses WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harrasment as wrestlers stage protest

Further, the Women National Wrestling Coaching camp, which was due to start in Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Lucknow on January 18 with 41 wrestlers and 13 coaches and support staff, has been cancelled.

The Executive Director of NCOE Lucknow has been directed to provide all facilities to national campers who have already reported and are likely to report, till the campers depart from the centre. Necessary information regarding the cancellation of the National

Will commit suicide if allegations are found to be true: Brij Bhushan

WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh flew to New Delhi amidst protests from wrestlers and refuted the charges of sexual assault allegations against him.

"As soon as I came to know about the wrestlers protesting in Delhi I booked a flight and flew down to the national capital from Lucknow. I was not aware of the problems raised by the wrestlers but I still flew here as it's important for me to be here. If the allegations against me are true why hasn't anyone come forward to voice this?" said the President while speaking to reporters.

Denying the claims by the wrestlers of their sexual assault, Singh said, "I read that the name of the chief coach has also been taken in sexual assault allegations. I also read that the reason for the players' camp being held in Lucknow is so that they can be called at my home. I do have a home in Lucknow but I hardly reside there.

"My home is 120-130 kms away from Lucknow. All the sexual harassment allegations are false and I will commit suicide if they are found to be true. I tried to get in touch with the wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia but was unable to do so."