May 16 2023 to May 16 2023 6:30 p.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

The President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh and wrestling coaches were accused of sexual harassment of female athletes in January 2023, by wrestlers, led by Olympic medallists, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, and Commonwealth gold medallist Vinesh Phogat, in New Delhi. Mr Singh, also a member of parliament, has denied all allegations. Following government assurances that this will be looked into, the wrestlers called the protests off. But the demonstrations in New Delhi resumed again, in April 2023, following what the protesters say was government inaction. While the inquiry report of the government was completed in April, the findings were not made public. The Supreme Court has pressed the police for an explanation for not registering the case against Singh, terming the allegations ‘serious’. The sit-in protests of the wrestlers continue under rain, storm and police violence. This has brought to the forefront again questions of safety and gender just spaces in sports. Are our athletes safe where they work? Do the same patriarchal structures that become hurdles in the growth of women in other work spaces play out here? Are there systems in place for redressal of discrimination and complaints? What are the various negotiations and compromises that our athletes have to deal with? How does the power imbalance between administrators and athletes endanger the latter? Are there laws protecting their well-being? This panel will discuss these issues and what more can be done for our athletes who bring us joy and fame with their sheer talent, grit and perseverance.