Why are top Indian female wrestlers afraid?

The media has been abuzz with reports of sexual harassment allegations made by prominent Indian female wrestlers against the Lord of the Rings (pun intended), the heavyweight (pun intended) President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Mr Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and some of his coaches. Legal experts and specialists in the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Law have raised a multitude of concerns, including the failure of the WFI to establish an Internal Committee (IC) as mandated by the PoSH Act, the lack of appointment of a senior female employee as the IC’s Presiding Officer, and the disproportionate representation of men in the IC. These questions about the inadequate implementation of the PoSH Act have caused significant concern among the public. However, one question that has been posed by some lawyers that is particularly striking is why the female wrestlers have not filed a police complaint under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). While this question may appear to place blame on the victims, it is a valid point of inquiry. The women wrestlers have only recently threatened to file a police complaint, despite the gravity of the allegations made. 

Why?

The statement made by gold medal-winning wrestler Vinesh Phogat, “We are not afraid of him anymore,” suggests that there may have been a history of sexual harassment by high-ranking officials and coaches within the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and that the women wrestlers were previously afraid to speak out due to fear of retaliation and the potential harm to their careers.

Recruiting top talent: Why athletes may be your best option

Recent research has suggested that athletes, particularly those participating in professional or elite sports, possess a unique set of skills and characteristics that make them valuable assets in the corporate world. These include high levels of emotional intelligence, team spirit, communication skills, and discipline, as well as stress management, interpersonal skills, and self-regard. These findings indicate that athletes, especially wrestlers, have the potential to excel as employees, and it is worth considering them for job opportunities. This may be of particular interest to companies in India looking to recruit top talent. [India Inc., are you paying attention?] “More enduringly than any other sport, wrestling teaches self-control and pride,” said Dan Gable, American Wrestler. “The one constant observation is that wrestlers have the capacity to push themselves harder than most and display an unrivalled mental toughness—that and a deep desire to eat,” he quips.

The challenging state of women in professional wrestling 

Despite their physical and mental strength and the valuable skills they possess, female wrestlers in India have struggled to find success in their sport, and have not yet come forward to file an official complaint against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This is likely due to the immense power and influence held by high-ranking officials and coaches within the organisation. Opposing such individuals can feel like a losing battle, especially for women who often have limited means of livelihood and depend on their careers in wrestling for survival. This highlights the need for a culture of respect and support for athletes, particularly women in sports. The lack of respect and recognition for female athletes may have contributed to the reluctance of these women to speak out against the harassment they faced, and the need for them to unite to do so. Society should learn to respect sportspeople, especially women in sports and create a safe and supportive environment for them to report and address such incidents.

The Battle Cry ‘Do or Die’ 

Organizations like the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) are considered workplaces under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Law and are required to provide regular workshops and awareness programs to sensitize employees about the provisions of the law. Had the WFI played an active role in organizing such workshops, it is possible that the recent allegations of sexual harassment against high-ranking officials and coaches could have been prevented. 

The ongoing situation serves as a reminder for organisations to prioritise the safety and well-being of all employees, with a particular focus on women. It is vital for companies to actively work towards creating a culture of respect and support within the workplace. Furthermore, this situation presents an opportunity for society as a whole to come together in support of women wrestlers who have bravely spoken out and taken a stand for their rights. We must all stand with them in their efforts to make the industry safer and more equitable. The battle cry “Do or die” must not be taken lightly, but must serve as a call to action for everyone to take responsibility to make the change happen. 

Author: Sumali Nagarajan, AVP-Content & Training, Rainmaker  Editor: Akanksha Arora, AVP-Legal, Rainmaker 

References: 

1. All that has happened so far in the protest by Indian wrestlers against the wrestling federation (msn.com)
2. Sexual harassment prevention laws in place, but glaring lack of implementation, say lawyers – India Today
3. Why Wrestlers Make the Best Employees – Forbes (sportngin.com)
4. Women wrestlers threaten to file FIR against WFI Chief Brij Bhushan | ummid.com

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