Wrestlers, please go back to the mats
It has been traumatizing to watch all the drama unfold since January. Worse, to see wrestlers on streets in Jantar Mantar in the open air braving heat and dust is not necessary.
Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik (Image Credits: PTI)
When Aamir Khan made the movie Dangal in 2016, it was a super hit. The movie connected with the masses, showed what it takes to produce a female wrestling champion in Haryana. Perhaps only Aamir could have done that role with great passion, which brought out the rustic flavor of the state.
Watching a new ‘dangal’ these days in Indian sports is sad. Sad, for the simple reason, Olympic wrestling medalists are on the streets. Sad, because champions Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat should now be in training. And, hopefully, win medals for India in the Hangzhou Asian Games this year and hope to give it their best shot at the Paris Olympics in 2024, just 14 months away.
It has been traumatizing to watch all the drama unfold since January. Worse, to see wrestlers on streets in Jantar Mantar in the open air braving heat and dust is not necessary.
Opinions are divided on the whole matter where the wrestlers have taken on the Wrestling Federation of India, President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The Delhi Police has filed an FIR and the due course of investigation will follow, where the complaints will be probed. There are two, actually, both now in the public domain.
Indeed, public sympathy is with the wrestlers, the heroes. It is not an easy sport, this. From the mud ‘akhadas’ to mats and then glory on the international stage, the journey is hard.
So, what really was the flash point? Well, January 2023, when the wrestlers first protested at Jantar Mantar, it was time to take serious note. After all, these wrestlers were not just trying to win brownie points, the allegations of “harassment” were serious.
Two probe committees were constituted, one by the Indian Olympic Association and an “Oversight Committee” by the Sports Ministry. For the record, the IOA committee has still not submitted its conclusive report.
Transparency at stake as release of Oversight Committee’s report awaits
To be sure, the Oversight Committee went through laborious sessions (real and virtual) interacting with the wrestlers, coaches, and the man under fire, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The Oversight Committee was constituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
There was a flaw in it, for sure. No legal expert was on board in the committee, nor was there any NGO. As per the prevailing guidelines under POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment), this would have been most appropriate.
The Oversight Committee submitted its report in the first week of April to the Government of India (MYAS). Why the report has not been made public is baffling. Some points from the “findings” have been put in public domain, pertaining to governance on the WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) plus the lack of a mechanism to deal with “sexual harassment.” Governance issues were also highlighted and how fresh elections to the WFI were impending.
Ideally, the “Oversight Committee” report should have been made public. Why did it require a protest from the wrestlers, again at Jantar Mantar, and then approaching the Delhi Police to get an FIR (First Information Report) filed become such a big issue that the highest court of the land — Supreme Court — had to step in.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports should have told the IOA (Indian Olympic Association) before itself to form an ad-hoc body and draw out the election schedule for the WFI. That delay was not needed. Even now, after the IOA held its meeting on Thursday, the name of the retired judge who will be responsible for the conduct of the elections is yet to be named. The delay is baffling.
What is also interesting is how come the elite wrestlers have spoken of a “minor” being a victim of “sexual harassment” now, three months after January. Had this complaint been brought to the notice of the “Oversight Committee” it could have been dealt with earlier. Any incident (s) relating to a minor is serious and dealt with by an altogether different act, POCSO (The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012). Right now, the Delhi Police have registered two FIRs and investigations are on.
Unnecessary political bias in the current situation
For his part, the WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has said he is ready to resign. It makes no sense. His term ends in May and he has completed his full three terms (12 years), which is the maximum as per the National Sports Code. As it is, Brij Bhushan has been hauled over the coals.
Social media, celebrities, all have condemned him, and ripped him. Wrestlers, athletes, cricketers, the verdict is out: Brij Bhushan deserves no sympathy.
Pray, would it not be prudent for the law to take its own course? Pray, would it not be correct if the wrestlers stop protesting and get back to training? After all, the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) had recently sanctioned the overseas training tours of Bajrang and Vinesh plus Sangeeta Phogat as sparring partner. India wants to see its elite wrestlers train and win medals again.
Last, but not the least, the political tint provided to the whole mess is unnecessary. For Congress and Aam Aadmi Party leaders to go to Jantar Mantar and shout is not needed. There is no need for Netas to be part of this roadshow. There is also no need for sloganeering against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Words used against him have been in cheap taste. They deserve condemnation.
In all, seven wrestlers have filed complaints. They will be heard, but do not think you can get unreasonable and demand the resignation of WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as a Lok Sabha Member of Parliament. That is an altogether different domain. He is an elected MP.
In a democracy, protests are legitimate. What is not needed is turning protests into a slanging fest. Indian wrestling fans love their heroes and heroines. Please get back to the training mats.
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