Sports And Rights Alliance Wants IOC To Investigate WFI On Harrassment Claims

The Sports and Rights Alliance (SRA) has issued a stern call to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), urging an investigation into the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and demanding enhanced mechanisms for reporting sexual harassment. This plea follows significant protests by Indian wrestlers and international concern over the safety and treatment of women athletes in India.

Rising Concerns: Wrestlers’ Protests and Allegations

The Initial Protests and Allegations

The demand for an investigation comes in the wake of protests by several Indian wrestlers last year. These athletes sought criminal charges against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexually harassing six female wrestlers during his tenure. Singh, who also served as a federal lawmaker, faced these accusations in June of the previous year. Despite the severity of the allegations, Singh has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The case attracted widespread attention both within India and internationally, raising significant concerns about the safety and treatment of women athletes in the country. The allegations against Singh prompted a broader discussion about the culture of abuse and the mechanisms in place to protect athletes from such misconduct.

High-Profile Resignation in Protest

In December 2023, the election of a new WFI president, who was backed by Singh, led to further controversy. In a powerful statement against the election’s outcome, Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from the sport. Malik’s decision to step away from wrestling in protest highlighted the deep-seated issues within the WFI and added pressure on authorities to address the situation.

SRA’s Call for Comprehensive Investigation

Ensuring a Thorough and Independent Inquiry

The SRA’s report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, independent, and trauma-informed investigation into Singh’s alleged abuse during his tenure as WFI president. The report highlights the importance of ensuring that the investigation is thorough and free from any potential biases or conflicts of interest.

“It is essential for the IOC to ensure a comprehensive, independent and trauma-informed investigation of Singh’s abuse during his tenure as president of WFI,” the report stated. The SRA’s insistence on an independent inquiry underscores the need for transparency and accountability in addressing these serious allegations.

Investigating Broader Claims of Abuse

Beyond the allegations against Singh, the SRA has called on the IOC to investigate additional claims of abuse by federation officials, coaches, and staff. The report also urges an examination of any threats and harassment directed at the reporting athletes by Singh and his allies. These broader investigations are crucial for uncovering systemic issues within the WFI and ensuring a safe environment for all athletes.

“The IOC must also overhaul its ‘Integrity and Compliance Hotline’ – the main artery for reporting athlete abuse – to make it accessible, trauma-informed, responsive, and free of conflicts of interest,” the report added. The SRA’s recommendations aim to improve the existing mechanisms for reporting abuse, making them more effective and supportive for athletes.

Implications for India’s Olympic Aspirations

India’s Bid for the 2036 Olympic Games

India has expressed interest in bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games. However, the SRA has urged the IOC to rigorously assess any bid from the country, taking into consideration the current allegations and the broader context of athlete safety and governance in Indian sports.

“The government of India should urgently act to address the full extent of Singh’s and other incidents of abuse in sports,” the report emphasized. The SRA’s call for urgent action highlights the need for substantial reforms and improvements in the governance and safeguarding mechanisms within Indian sports.

Human Rights and Governance Reforms

The SRA has outlined specific conditions that should be met before considering India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics. These conditions include significant human rights improvements, reformed governance, increased representation of women in leadership roles, and robust systems to ensure athlete safeguarding and freedom of speech.

“The IOC should ensure that any bid from India is contingent on significant human rights improvements, including reformed governance, women in leadership, and systems to ensure safeguarding, and the freedom to speak out for the country’s own athletes,” the report stated. These recommendations aim to create a safer and more inclusive environment for athletes in India and ensure that the country’s Olympic aspirations align with international standards of athlete welfare and human rights.

Enhancing Reporting Mechanisms and Support Systems

Overhauling the IOC’s Integrity and Compliance Hotline

A key recommendation from the SRA’s report is the overhaul of the IOC’s ‘Integrity and Compliance Hotline.’ This hotline serves as the primary mechanism for reporting athlete abuse, but the SRA argues that it needs to be more accessible, trauma-informed, responsive, and free of conflicts of interest.

“We need some response from the IOC,” SRA director Andrea Florence told reporters on Tuesday, as quoted by Reuters. “It is not possible to continue playing hot potato with cases of abuse. We’ve seen other sports have potential cases, we’ve seen it in our work in other committees.”

Establishing a Regional Safeguarding Hub in India

Among its recommendations, the SRA has also asked the IOC to establish a regional safeguarding hub in India. This hub would serve as a central point for addressing and reporting abuse, providing support to athletes, and ensuring that cases are handled with the necessary sensitivity and urgency.

“It is time we stop abuse by enhancing the capacity (to report incidents) nationally, but also by making sure that athletes have a way in for support at the global level,” Florence added. The establishment of a regional safeguarding hub would be a significant step towards improving the reporting and handling of abuse cases, offering athletes a more robust support system.

The Road Ahead for Indian Sports

Urgent Need for Reforms and Accountability

The SRA’s call for action highlights the urgent need for reforms and accountability within Indian sports. Addressing the allegations of abuse and improving the mechanisms for reporting and handling such cases are crucial steps towards ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes.

Preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games

India is set to send a six-member team to the Olympic Games, which will begin on July 26. As the country prepares for this prestigious event, the focus on athlete safety and governance reforms will be paramount. Ensuring a safe and supportive environment for athletes is essential for their performance and overall well-being.

Looking Towards a Better Future

The SRA’s report and recommendations provide a roadmap for creating a safer and more inclusive environment for athletes in India. By addressing the current issues and implementing the recommended reforms, Indian sports can move towards a future where athletes are supported, respected, and protected from abuse.

In conclusion, the call for an investigation into the WFI and the recommendations for improved reporting mechanisms and governance reforms underscore the need for substantial changes in Indian sports. Ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes should be a top priority, and the actions taken in response to these allegations will be crucial in shaping the future of sports in India.

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