Tag: Wrestling

Delhi Court orders framing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh with sexual harassment charges of female wrestlers

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A Delhi court has ordered framing ex-Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh with sexual harassment charges in relation to a case lodged against him by female grapplers. As per the court, enough evidence has been discovered against the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) politician to charge him with the harrasment of five wrestlers.

“Charges were framed against Brij Bhushan under sections 354 and 354A in respect of each victim,” the court order read.

The judgment was passed by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Priyanka Rajpoot, who cited corrections required in the order before adjourning the court. Brij Bhushan has been acquitted of the charges levied by a sixth female wrestler though.

The case so far

In June last year, the Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan and his aide Vinod Tomar, where it was mentioned that they were not arrested because they cooperated with the law.

As per the chargesheet, he has been accused of offences under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC. Statements from 44 people having information about the case in concerned are included in the chargsheet.

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NADA suspends wrestler Bajrang Punia for not giving dope sample

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India’s anti-doping agency, the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) has suspended wrestler Bajarang Punia for failing to give dope samples. According to news agency ANI, Punia has been suspended indefinitely. The suspension will affect Punia’s chances to qualify for the Paris Olympics scheduled to happen later this year.

The 30-year-old wrestler in a Olympic medalist as he won bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Punia is also the recipient of the Padma Shri award, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.

Punia was also one of the many wrestlers who led the protest against former Wresting Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on the grounds of sexual harassment against female wrestlers.

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Sexual harassment case against ex-WFI chief: Court to pass order on closure report on May 20

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A Delhi court is likely to pronounce its order on May 20 on whether to accept a police report seeking cancellation of a sexual harassment complaint filed by a minor wrestler against former Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The court, which was scheduled to pass the order on Tuesday, said some clarifications were required in the matter.

During the in-chamber proceedings held on August 1 last year, the minor wrestler told the court that she was satisfied with the Delhi Police’s investigation in the case and not opposed to the closure report it had submitted.

On June 15, 2023, the Delhi Police filed a report before the court seeking cancellation of the case involving the girl after her father made a startling claim midway through the probe that he levelled false allegations of sexual harassment against Singh to get back at him for perceived injustice to his daughter.

Police had recommended dropping the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case against Singh, but charged him with sexual harassment and stalking in a separate case lodged on the basis of a complaint from six women wrestlers.

Police had recommended cancellation of the complaint involving the minor wrestler, saying “no corroborative evidence” was found.

The POCSO Act provides for a minimum imprisonment of three years, depending on the sections under which a crime has been registered.

The closure report notwithstanding, the court has to take a call on whether to accept it or order further investigation.

Singh has consistently denied the allegations.

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Indian wrestlers to complete under national flag after UWW lifts WFI suspension

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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United World Wrestling (UWW) has lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Tuesday, five months after it was provisionally suspended for failing to conduct elections within a reasonable time frame.

The WFI has been trying to recover from a sexual harassment scandal, with a setback coming in December last year when the sports ministry suspended the body and sacked a new slate of officers it elected.

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The UWW had asked for a fresh election after the WFI’s then-president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was charged with sexual harassment and criminal intimidation.

UWW had later said WFI may need to safeguard women wrestlers to get its suspension lifted. The UWW said its bureau met on February 9 and decided to lift the suspension under certain conditions, including the assurance of fair treatment.

“The WFI has to re-convene the elections of its Athletes’ Commission. The candidates for this commission shall be active athletes or retired for no longer than four years. The voters shall be exclusively athletes,” UWW said in a statement.

“These elections shall take place during trials or any senior national championships where this operation can take place, but no later than July 1, 2024.

“The WFI has to immediately provide UWW with written guarantees that all wrestlers will be considered for participation without any discrimination in all WFI events, in particular trials for the Olympic Games and any other major national and international events.

“This non-discrimination includes the three athletes who protested against alleged wrongdoings by the former President.” The decision comes as a major boost ahead of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, with Indian wrestlers now able to compete under the country’s flag at the next UWW event.

(With PTI inputs)

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Wrestling’s ad-hoc committee picks 13-member squad for Zagreb Open, to organise junior national championships

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The ad-hoc committee picked the 13-member Indian squad for the Zagreb Open Wrestling scheduled in Croatia from January 10 to 14. The committee formed by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is also planning to organise the U-15 and U-20 national championships within the next six weeks at Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education in Gwalior.

India will not have representation in five categories in the competition in Zagreb after five wrestlers including Bajrang Punia and Amit Panghal backed out of the selection process. 

In a short duration of a week, since its appointment by the IOA on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, the committee has taken several initiatives. The committee will also schedule the senior national championships in February 2024 and organise national camps for senior wrestlers at Sports Authority of India Northern Regional Centre (SAI NRC), Sonepat for men and Sports Authority of India Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (SAI NSNIS), Patiala for women, for preparation for the Olympic Qualifying tournaments and the Senior Asian Championships.

The Asian Olympic Qualifiers are scheduled to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 19-21, 2024, while the World Olympic Qualifiers are set to take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 9-12.

The committee asked the young wrestlers to continue training and practicing for these events and reassured them that the details for the events will be announced soon. 

“Through its  comprehensive and targeted efforts, the ad-hoc committee reaffirms its full commitment to the growth and development of wrestling in India, fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance,” the committee said in a release.

The committee along with the Ministry of External Affairs played a crucial role in expediting the visa process for the 23 members, including athletes, coaches, and other support staff, facilitating their participation in the tournament set to be held in Zagreb, Croatia from January 10 to 14.

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Wrestler Vinesh Phogat to return her Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Award

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday returned her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award to the government protesting against the election of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh-loyalist Sanjay Singh as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, the wrestler wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vinesh’s decision comes days after Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Deafylmpics champion Virender Singh Yadav returned their Padma Shri awards.

“I am returning my Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award,” Vinesh announced through a letter that she posted in her X (formerly Twitter) account.

On Thursday, Sanjay Singh was elected as the president of the WFI after the panel led by the close aide of Brij Bhushan won 13 of the 15 posts. The wrestlers had demanded that no close associate of Brij Bhushan should enter the WFI administration. Following the election, Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik announced that she would quit the sport. However, the Sports Ministry had later suspended the newly-elected panel for not following the provisions of its own constitution while taking decisions and also asked the IOA to constitute an ad-hoc panel to manage the affairs of the sports body. In suspending the fresh panel, the government cited its “hasty announcement” of organising the U-15 and U-20 nationals “without following due procedure and not giving sufficient notice to wrestlers” for preparations.

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Wrestling issue between government and WFI, I have nothing to do with it: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh | Watch

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said he has taken retirement from wrestling and the politics associated with it, and whatever he had to say, he has said.

He said even if he does meet Union minister Amit Shah, it will not be to discuss wrestling. He said the current chief Sanjay Singh should do his work and he is doing his own. He also said the wrestling issue is to be resolved between the government and the federation and he has nothing to do with it.

#WATCH | Delhi: Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh says “Whatever I had to say, I said yesterday. I have taken retirement from wrestling and the politics related to wrestling. As far as meeting Union HM Amit Shah is concerned, even if we meet, I will not discuss… pic.twitter.com/aRYCWyK3qA

— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2023

On Saturday, the Union Sports Ministry took action against the newly-elected WFI body, led by Sanjay Singh, citing lack of transparency and other issues.

Sanjay Singh is also a close aide of Brij Bhushan.

The sports ministry’s action comes after the newly-elected WFI President announced tha tht e U-15 and U-20 Nationals would take place in Gonda.

Accoring to the ministry, Singh’s announcement was made in haste, without sufficient notice to the wrestlers, who will be taing part in the nationals, and also the provisionfs of the consitition of the WFI were not followed.

Last week, Sanjay Singh was elected as the new president of the WFI after a long dispute over Brij Bhushan’s intent as the WFI president and the sexual harassment allegations against him.

Soon after, Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from wrestling as Sanjay Singh was a close aide of Brij Bhushan. She said they had demanded a woman be made the WFI president, which would avoid women wrestlers from facing sexual harassment. She said the new generations of wrestlers would have to continue to fight.

Sanjay Singh’s appointment also led to Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia announcing his return of the Padma Shri award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Safeguarding India women wrestlers may be key to federation’s return

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), battling a sexual harassment scandal, may need to safeguard women wrestlers to get its suspension lifted, the game’s global governing body said on Saturday.

The Wrestling Federation of India was suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) in August after failing to hold its election on time.

The UWW had asked for a fresh election after the WFI’s then-president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, was charged with sexual harassment and criminal intimidation.

Singh has denied wrongdoing and is out on bail, but the victory of a candidate he backed as his successor in Thursday’s election has triggered fresh protest.

Sakshi Malik, a top woman wrestler quit the game in protest, while male wrestler and fellow Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia returned one of India’s highest civilian awards.

“Conditions to address the concerns about safeguarding could also be requested,” a UWW spokesperson said, when asked about the possibility of lifting the suspension on the WFI.

“We are still gathering feedback from representatives onsite to determine if the conduct of the election was valid and well organised,” the spokesperson said by email.

“Before we can lift the suspension, we need to receive the official information from the national federation and the confirmation by the NOC (National Olympic Committee) and the Ministry of Sports.”

Wrestlers staged a sit-in protest against Singh in New Delhi and had to be talked out of their plans to throw their medals into the River Ganges in May.

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After this, would the parents send their daughters to the stadium?: Congress leader Vijender Singh reacts on Sakshi Malik’s retirement

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Congress leader Vijender Singh is pained by Sakshi Malik’s retirement from wrestling.

On Thursday, the Rio Olympic bronze medallist during a press conference put her wrestling shoes on the table and announced her retirement from the sport as a mark of protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh winning the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election for the top job.

“Being a player, I can understand her pain. The only female medalist in wrestling demanded justice but she did not get it. Pained by this, she retired.“, Singh said in a interview to news agency ANI.

Sanjay, a close associate of outgoing WFI chief became the new President with his panel winning 13 of the 15 posts in the elections — a result that expectedly brought disappointment for the top three wresters — Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia — who had aggressively pushed for a change of guard at the federation.

“The whole sports industry is disappointed. They blame that there is discrimination between boys and girls in Haryana and there are fewer girls. After this, would the parents send their daughters to the stadium?“, Singh added.

The top wrestlers had early this year, launched an agitation against Brij Bhushan who they had accused of sexually exploiting women wrestlers. The matter is in court.

“The parents of the daughters would be concerned that if an Olympic medalist is not given justice, how will we get it. The PM, Vice President, and President all should come and answer why this happened… This raises a lot of questions on the justice system and the democratic structure…” Singh said.

Singh also spoke on the matter in a press conference organized by Congress in Delhi.

“The sports industry is upset with it. We will go to every player, every stadium and every ‘akhada’ and speak to them about women safety, the employment of the athletes and we will stand with them…”, said Singh, who clinched India’s first medal in boxing in Olympics during the Beijing Games.

Sakshi had become India’s first woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal.

The Haryana wrestler, though, was struggling on the mat before the latest CWG edition and had conceded her spot in the national team to young Sonam Malik, who beat her during the national selection trials a number of times.

Sakshi appeared to be getting back her form during the 2022 Birmingham Games but it may be mentioned that the level of competition at the CWG is pretty weak as wrestlers from powerhouses Japan and Iran do not compete there.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)

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Antim Panghal shocks reigning world champion Parrish in opening round

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Young Indian wrestler Antim Panghal shocked reigning world champion Olivia Dominique Parrish in her qualification round to start her World Championship campaign on a resounding note here on Wednesday.

Panghal erased a 0-2 deficit to edge her rival 3-2 in the women’s 53kg opening round.

The American swung into action with a quick take-down move from a right-leg attack. Unperturbed, the 19-year-old began to defend well and foiled two similar attempts, not conceding any more points till the end of first period.

With her strong defense continuing, Panghal did not let Parrish make any attacking move with the result the American was put on clock.

Panghal got hold of the American’s left leg and converted that into a successful take-down move to draw parity. She tried to get a leg lace but could not pull off the move.

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The American lost a point on passivity and Panghal defended her slender lead to walk out a winner.

Five Indian women wrestlers and 10 men’s free-style wrestlers have already exited the tournament without winning either an Olympic quota or a medal in non-Olympic categories.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow