Wrestlers speak out: Not political, but silence broken in #MeToo protest
90% aware, but divided: Wrestlers reveal long-standing harassment in fraternity.
Wrestlers speak out: In a video posted on Twitter, Olympic medallist Sakshee Malikkh and wrestler Satyawart Kadian clarified that their recent protest against sexual harassment in the wrestling fraternity was not politically motivated.
They revealed that for the past 10-12 years, harassment and intimidation had been prevalent, but the lack of unity within the wrestling community prevented many from speaking up. The wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and BJP MP, of sexual harassment and intimidation.
The protest gained support from various political leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, and Satya Pal Malik, but the wrestlers were later removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar. Satyawart Kadian emphasised that their protest had permission from two BJP leaders and was not politically aligned. He further stated that the fight was against the WFI chief and not the government.
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Sakshee Malikkh explained the reasons for their silence over the years, citing the lack of unity among wrestlers and the intimidation faced by families. The wrestlers, hailing from humble backgrounds, found it challenging to gather the courage to confront a powerful individual.
The incident of police brutality they faced on May 28 further shattered their resolve. They had planned to immerse their medals in Haridwar but changed their decision due to potential violence. Instead, they entrusted the medals to coaches and parents.
Satyawart Kadian expressed their uncertainty about whom to trust after the incident and urged the Khap leaders not to believe in rumors. He emphasised the importance of unity in fighting against injustice and advised others to raise their voices. The police have filed a charge-sheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, charging him with stalking and sexual harassment offenses.
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