Wrestlers' Protest: World wrestling body condemns wrestlers' arrest and detention, disappointed with lack of result in WFI investigation

World wrestling body (UWW) on Tuesday condemned the wrestlers' arrest on May 28 and the lack of results in the investigation against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment charges.

UWW said it has been following the development of the ongoing wrestlers' protest against WFI with great concern. The body added that the recent events left them worried as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and other wrestlers were dragged by the Delhi Police.

"The events of these last days are even more worrying that the wrestlers were arrested and temporarily detained by the police for initiating a march of protest," UWW wrote in its statement. "The site where they had been protesting for more than a month has also been cleared out by the authorities."

The body further added: "UWW firmly condemns the treatment and detention of the wrestlers. It expresses its disappointment over the lack of results of the investigations so far. UWW urges the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations."

UWW, who earlier moved the Asian Championship away from New Delhi, also threatened to suspend the Wrestling Federation of India if its election is not done within the stipulated deadline of 45 days, upon which Indian wrestlers will have to compete under the neutral flag.

"UWW will request further information about the next elective general assembly from the IOA and Ad-hoc Committee of the WFI. The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this elective assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag."

The world wrestling body also added that they are backing the wrestlers for fair resolution and will also hold a meeting with Vinesh Phogat and others soon to confirm their safety.