Wrestling-Rights body urges IOC action on alleged sexual harassment of Indian wrestlers

PARIS : The International Olympic Committee (IOC) should investigate India's wrestling federation (WFI) and bolster its tools to report cases of sexual harassment, the Sport and Rights Alliance (SRA) said in a report published on Tuesday.

Several Indian wrestlers protested last year, demanding criminal action against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Singh, who was also a federal lawmaker, was charged in June last year with sexually harassing six female wrestlers during his tenure in a case that drew international headlines and cast a spotlight on the safety of women athletes in India. He has denied any wrongdoing.

In December the WFI elected a new president backed by Singh in 2023, following which Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik quit the sport in protest.

"It is essential for the IOC to ensure a comprehensive, independent and trauma-informed investigation of Singh's abuse during his tenure as president of WFI," the report said.

The IOC and the WFI did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Sport and Rights Alliance is a global coalition of non-governmental organisations that promotes human rights in sports.

The body's report also urged the IOC to look into "other claims of abuse by federation officials, coaches, and staff, and any threats and harassment Singh and his allies directed at the reporting athletes.

"The IOC must also overhaul its 'Integrity and Compliance Hotline' – the main artery for reporting athlete abuse – to make it accessible, trauma-informed, responsive and free of conflicts of interest."

India has expressed its intention to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, but the SRA urged the IOC to be stringent in its evaluation of any bid from the nation.

"The government of India should