In India, Brij Bhushan Singh, the former president of the wrestling federation accused of sexual assault, was replaced by a relative. A situation which does not satisfy the wrestlers, who have been demanding justice for almost a year. Friday, December 22, a wrestling star gave up his decoration, in solidarity with the fight of sportswomen.
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With our correspondent in Bangalore, Como Bastin
Four times medalist at the World Championships, Bajrang Punia is certainly the most famous Indian wrestler. In a strong symbolic gesture, he announced that he would return his Padma Shri, the highest Indian distinction. The day before, Sashi Malik, a famous 31-year-old wrestler, declared that she was ending her sporting career.
These sports stars express their anger against Brij Bhushan Singh, who was the president of the Indian wrestling federation until recently. Since January 2023, he has been accused of assault and sexual harassment of seven female wrestlers, including a minor.
An investigation has been opened, but it is stalling. And as the man is the head of powerful networks and a member of the ruling Hindu nationalist party, the wrestling world considers him to be protected by those in power. For a year, female wrestlers have resorted to hunger strikes and demonstrations to demand justice.
The case has become a national symbol of violence against women in the world of sport. On December 21, Brij Bhushan Singh finally resigned. But his successor is one of his right-hand men, which only reinforces the feeling of impunity towards the leaders of the federation.