The article discusses the shift in strategy by some of India’s top women wrestlers who accused their federation chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of sexual harassment. After five months of nationwide protests, the wrestlers have decided to move their fight to the court. Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, prominent wrestlers, tweeted that they will continue their protest for justice but in a legal setting. They acknowledged that the government has fulfilled its promise of filing a chargesheet against Singh, who is a member of parliament from the ruling BJP party.
The wrestlers emphasized the ongoing need for reforms in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and expressed their expectations for the upcoming elections on July 11. They also mentioned that they would temporarily take a break from social media.
Earlier this month, Singh faced charges of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and stalking after complaints from multiple female wrestlers. He has denied all allegations. The wrestlers’ protest gained international attention when the charges were delayed, prompting widespread criticism. Despite controversy surrounding their exemption from Asian Games trials, the wrestlers affirmed their determination to continue their fight against Singh.
In January, the wrestlers initiated a sit-in protest against Singh, which escalated in April when they returned for a demonstration due to the lack of action taken. The athletes’ images being forcibly removed from the protest site garnered widespread criticism. The wrestlers threatened to throw their medals into the Ganges before agreeing to meet with government officials, including the Home Minister and Sports Minister, who promised a June 15 deadline for concluding the investigation.
Overall, the wrestlers have transitioned their protest from the streets to the court, emphasizing their pursuit of justice and continued demand for reform within the wrestling federation.
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