Beyond the Mat: Women Wrestlers' Fight for Justice and Government's Deafening Silence

We have witnessed some distressing series of events, prominent Indian women wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, along with celebrated male wrestler Bajrang Punia, have been engaged in a long-standing protest against the Indian Wrestling Association (IWA) chief and MP, Brij Bhushan Singh. Their demand for justice stems from allegations of sexual harassment levelled against Mr. Singh by multiple women wrestlers over the years. Despite the gravity of the accusations and the persistence of the protesters for the past seven months, the government has remained unresponsive. Compounding the urgency, Mr. Singh not only roams free but also attends public events and rallies without remorse or guilt. The International Wrestling Association has also expressed concerns and issued a warning, emphasizing the dire consequences that may arise if the government fails to take immediate action. This BLOG aims to highlight five serious consequences that could occur if prompt action is not taken by the government.

1. Perpetuation of a Culture of Impunity:

The government's inaction in arresting Mr. Singh, despite the grave accusations against him, perpetuates a culture of impunity. It sends a message that individuals in positions of power can escape accountability for their actions, undermining public trust in the justice system. This not only hampers efforts to combat sexual harassment but also erodes the overall confidence in the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law.

2. Trauma and Deterrence for Survivors:

The prolonged delay in taking action not only prolongs the trauma for the survivors but also serves as a deterrent for other victims of sexual harassment. When survivors see their pleas for justice ignored, it discourages them from coming forward and seeking legal redress. The government's inaction could have a chilling effect on the willingness of survivors to speak out, hindering efforts to combat sexual harassment and protect the rights of women wrestlers.

3. Damage to India's International Reputation:

The International Wrestling Association's concerns and warning indicate that the issue has gained international attention. If the government continues to ignore the situation, it risks damaging India's international reputation. In the eyes of the global community, the government's failure to address allegations of sexual harassment by a prominent sports official sends a clear message that India does not take gender-based violence seriously. This could result in consequences such as boycotts of Indian athletes or international sports events being relocated from the country.

4. Erosion of Trust in Government Institutions:

The government's apathy towards the protesters' demands and the lack of action against Mr. Singh erodes public trust in government institutions. The inaction not only reflects poorly on the government's commitment to protecting the rights of women but also undermines faith in its ability to address systemic issues within sports organizations. Such erosion of trust can have far-reaching consequences, impacting citizen engagement and confidence in other spheres of governance as well.

5. Loss of Talented Athletes and Deterioration of Sports Culture:

Failure to address the allegations of sexual harassment and hold Mr. Singh accountable may lead to a loss of talented athletes in the wrestling community. The absence of a safe and supportive environment for women wrestlers can discourage promising athletes from pursuing their dreams. Moreover, the continuation of such a toxic sports culture hampers the growth and development of the sport, hindering the overall progress of Indian wrestling.

Through this blog I urge my fellow citizens,

Let the slumbering king be stirred, Shake the very foundations of the system's reign, Raise voices in fervent advocacy for our women, Their dignity, our nation's honour, we shall retain. With passion and resolve, we demand justice, For their respect, their rights, and our land's name, No longer shall we accept complacency or silence.

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