As the Wrestlers’ protests intensified in Delhi, the United World Wrestling has issued a statement condemning the action taken against the Indian wrestlers.
Top Indian wrestlers are protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment. The world body (UWW) has specifically condemned the detention of the Indian wrestlers on May 28th.
“UWW firmly condemns the treatment and detention of the wrestlers. It expresses its disappointment over the lack of results of the investigations so far. UWW urges the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations,” read a statement by the world wrestling body.
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UWW also threatened to suspend the federation if the elections for the new chief are not held within 45 days.
“UWW will request further information about the next elective general assembly from the 10A and the Ad-hoc Committee of the WFI. The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this election assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag. It is reminded that UWW already took a measure in this situation by reallocating the Asian Championship planned in New Delhi earlier this year,” it added.
“For several months, United World Wrestling has followed with great concern the situation in India where wrestlers are protesting over allegations of abuse and harassment by the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). It has taken due note that the WFI President has been put aside at an early stage and is currently not in charge,” UWW stated further.
Wrestling's world governing body has issued its first statement about the protests by the Indian wrestlers. pic.twitter.com/7mJxWoomQv
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The wrestlers gathered at Haridwar on Tuesday to immerse their medals in river Ganga as a mark of protest against the Wrestling federation chief.
Farmer Leader, Naresh Tikait was able to push back their plan and immerse their laurels. The protestors have issued a five-day ultimatum to the Centre to act on their demand, after their talks with Tikait.
