Om Prakash Karhana, a member of the Indian Olympic Association’s athletes commission, has come out in support of the wrestlers who accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation. He said that justice should be delivered to athletes who are fighting for their rights and that sweeping the allegations under the carpet would harm Indian sport as athletes will lose their faith in the system.
Karhana, who retired last year, said that if athletes have come out in the open to fight for their rights, the system in the country should take steps to deliver justice to them as soon as possible. In a case relating to women athletes, he said the authorities should not sweep anything under the carpet. He believes it is a serious matter and should be dealt with through proper and fair process to find out the truth.
The Delhi Police took time to register an FIR against Singh after seven wrestlers lodged complaints against him. Two FIRs were later registered against Singh on Friday last. Karhana felt that the wrestlers’ protest will have an impact on Indian sports. He said that if the authorities do not take the matter seriously and probe the allegations by women athletes in a fair process, no parent will allow them to go out and play sport. Ultimately, it will be the loss of the country as the talented athletes from the villages will not take up sports.
The athletes commission, which has not taken a stand after wrestlers resumed their sit-in protest on April 24, is a new concept. Karhana said there may be some confusion over its rights and duties. Some members are not even fully aware of their roles and responsibilities. Six members of the athletes commission, including Karhana, had a meeting on Saturday and made recommendations to the IOA to put in place proper systems to deal with issues of the athletes with respect and dignity.
In conclusion, Karhana’s support of the wrestlers protesting against sexual harassment and intimidation highlights the importance of protecting athletes’ rights and ensuring justice is served in such cases. It is necessary for authorities to take allegations of sexual harassment seriously and investigate them fairly to maintain the trust of athletes in the system.