'From the Mat to the Earth, Protecting our Planet's Worth.'
The spirit of sport runs deep in the veins of the men and women of India, and a passionate group of them follow the roots of Indian arts with the sport of wrestling. This group has now taken a courageous stand, uniting in a protest against their oppressors that has sent shockwaves across the nation.
In January 2023, thirty Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medalists, Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, among others, staged a sit-in accusing Wrestling Federation of India president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and its coaches of sexually harassing female players for years, demanding to disband the above stated WFI (Wrestling Feseration of India). These humongous allegations raised enumerable questions about the ingenuity and behind-the-scenes works of the government. The criticism faced by government officials for their perceived inaction and silence raises questions about the moral responsibility of those in positions of power.
Various organisations, athletes and politicians have extended their support to the Wrestlers’ protest and International Sporting Bodies have even called for extensive investigations of this matter and condemned the inaction and treatment of the government of India towards the wrestlers. We must understand that this incident has a profound moral impact on society.
Firstly, it exposes the prevalence of sexual harassment, gender inequality and the abuse of power, emphasising the urgent need for stricter measures to prevent and address such misconduct. Even in this age, women are not given the same amount of opportunities in the field of sport as men, and the misconduct of men towards all women who dare to dream for a better future is the bitter truth that needs to be addressed and solved as soon as possible. Secondly, it demonstrates a growing awareness among individuals and communities about the importance of speaking out against injustice. Lastly, it showcases the courage and resilience of the female wrestlers who have come forward to share their traumatic experiences, inspiring others like them to break the silence surrounding similar issues.
All change must always start from within us. Our views on social issues like this must change so women may be granted more opportunities and be rid of the obstacles of sexual harassment that have frightened any of them from taking action against misconduct of any kind.
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