Indian wrestlers stage protest against WFI at Jantar Mantar

Ace Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat and others protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), alleging "harassment of wrestlers by WFI through its arbitrary rules and regulations." Phogat on Wednesday alleged that WFI President and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been sexually exploiting women wrestlers for many years and sought the intervention of Prime Minister and Home Minister in his removal.

Triple Commonwealth Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat accused her federation chief and several coaches of sexually harassing multiple athletes. She made these allegations while interacting with media at a public protest which was backed by several other top wrestlers. Credit: PTI Photo

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) -- who is also an MP for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party -- and trainers were culpable, she told reporters. Credit: PTI Photo

The protest saw champions like Bajrang Punia, Sakshee Malikkh, Sonali Phogat and others lending her support. Credit: PTI Photo

India is a deeply hierarchical society and Phogat said many wrestlers were intimidated from coming forward because of their humble origins. Credit: PTI Photo

Fellow wrestler and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshee Malikkh, who was also part of the protest, endorsed the allegations. Credit: PTI Photo

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshee Malikkh and Anshu Malik stage a protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo