Wrestlers' Protest: IOC backs wrestlers; urges Indian Olympic body to take action

Add as a preferred source on Google

International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday condemned the actions of Delhi Police during wrestlers' protest on May 28. The apex Olympic body said it was disturbed by the way police were dragged and detained by the police personnel as they held a march in protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexual harassment by wrestlers.

The IOC also urged the Indian Olympic Association, headed by legendary runner PT Usha, to protect the wrestlers and conclude the general election of the Wrestling Federation of India as per the guidelines and deadlines stipulated by the United World Wrestling (UWW).

"The IOC insists that the allegations by the wrestlers are followed up by an unbiased, criminal investigation in line with local law," an IOC spokesperson told Sportstar. "We understand that the first step towards such a criminal investigation has been made, but more steps have to follow before concrete actions become visible.

"We urge that the safety and well-being of these athletes be duly considered throughout this process and that this investigation will be speedily concluded."

"The IOC also urged the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to take all necessary actions to protect the athletes and to make sure that the elections of WFI are happening as planned and in line with the regulations of UWW as an International Federation."

IOC's statement comes hours after UWW firmly condemned the behaviour meted out to the wrestlers on May 28 while expressing their disappointment in lack of action taken in the investigation of sexual harassment charges against Brij Bhushan.

The IOC statement comes soon after the United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for amateur wrestling, condemned the police action against the protesting wrestlers and expressed disappointment at the lack of proper probe against Singh.

Two days' after the appaling images of detention followed by charges of rioting against the wrestlers, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and other wrestlers announced to immerse their medals into Ganga river in Haridwar.

They were eventually talked out of it at the last moment as farmers' leader Naresh Tikait intervened and asked for five days' time. It was also reported by Indian Express that a Union minister from Western UP spoke to the wrestlers over the phone and assured them that their demands will be met soon.

Wrestlers reportedly have threatened to return to the site at Haridwar to immerse their medals if empty promised are made to them again.