#MeToo: Indian wrestlers demand the detention of Federation’s President

India’s female wrestlers have organized a march by candlelight calling for the resignation and detention of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, 66, the head of the Wrestling Federation in India (WIFI).

These protests were held in the nation’s Capital after reports of Singh sexually abusing young athletes, including a minor, surfaced back in January 2023.

The march which was held with the governments support and police presence, was held as nearly 1000 protestors marched to India Gate. A landmark near to the nation's parliament building. They were carrying the national flag of India with them.

Since then, seven teenage female wrestlers have come forward and accused Singh of sexually harassing them.

India's top female wrestlers and their supporters march towards landmark India Gate monument. Protesting against Wrestling Federation of India President Brijbhushan Sharan Singh in New Delhi, India. Tuesday, May, 23, 2023. India's top female wrestlers led a candlelight march of nearly 1,000 protesters in the capital on Tuesday. Demanding the resignation and arrest of the president of the wrestling federation for allegedly sexually harassing young athletes. One of whom was a minor.

Wrestlers: taking a stand

Equally, important are Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, two Olympic medalists, who have joined the protests. They have also have vowed to return their medals if no action is done against Singh.

In addition, Vinesh Phogat, a world championship, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games medalist, said in January that some trainers had exploited female wrestlers at the request of the WFI president.

“Our fight for justice seems like it has been forever because the wheels of justice have moved very slowly” (The Indian Express).

Legal proceedings:

The charges are being investigated by Indian authorities. And the country's Supreme Court has admitted that there are "serious allegations of sexual harassment" in the case.

Singh is still the federation's president, and has disputed the allegations stating that the demonstrations are "politically motivated" by the opposition Congress party.

The case has once again brought to light the #MeToo movement, which gained worldwide recognition in 2017. This was when Alyssa Milano encouraged victims of sexual harassment and assault to share their tales on social media.