Former Indian footballer and HSP President Bhaichung Bhutia stands in solidarity with women wrestlers protesting against sexual harassment
First Published: 29th April, 2023 18:02 IST
Bhaichung Bhutia called for an end to this heinous crime and emphasized the need for a safe and secure environment for women in sports
By Prakash Adhikari
Former Indian footballer and President of the Hamro Sikkim Party, Bhaichung Bhutia, has expressed his support for the women wrestlers who have been protesting against the sexual harassment allegations made against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the BJP MP and President of the Wrestling Federation of India.
The athletes have been protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, seeking justice and safety for women in sports.
In a statement released on Twitter, Bhutia wrote, “I stand in solidarity with my sisters @Phogat_Vinesh, @SakshiMalik, and all others who are fighting for justice.”
Bhutia expressed his disappointment and sadness about the plight of the athletes, who have brought glory to the country on several occasions, having to resort to protesting on the streets.
He emphasized that every sportsperson puts in their sweat and blood for the country and deserves dignity and justice.
As a former athlete and a father of two daughters, Bhutia expressed his heartbreak upon hearing about the sexual harassment allegations against the women wrestlers. He called for an end to this heinous crime and emphasized the need for a safe and secure environment for women in sports.
The women wrestlers first protested at Jantar Mantar in January, but they called off their stir. The wrestlers cited the delay from the government in releasing the report of the committee that looked into the allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan, loss of faith in the committee, and the absence of action against the MP, of which they had been assured in January.
The identities of the seven women wrestlers who have lodged police complaints against Brij Bhushan have not been revealed. However, three wrestlers have been at the forefront of the protest since the beginning in January — Olympic bronze medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, and world medallist Vinesh Phogat.
Also Read : Sikkimese filmmaker Sandup Lepcha’s short film ‘In a Happy Place’ to be screened in New York
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Tensions Soar in Tripura Over Kokborok Script Row, Students Threaten Statewide Agitation
18th March 2025
Live Missing Manipur Youth’s Mother Appeals for His Safe Return, Meets Top Officials
18th March 2025
Live Excitement Soars in Shillong as India Gears Up for Historic Football Clash Against Maldives Tomorrow
18th March 2025
Live Karnataka School Shut, Owner and Hostel Warden Arrested After 2 Meghalaya Students Die
18th March 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Final Draft Report on Tribal Status for 12 Left-Out Sikkim Communities Likely After High-Level Meeting in Kolkata
High-level sources have confirmed that this meeting will focus on the final discussion of the draft report, which was previously discussed on February 10.
16th March 2025
Vehicle Carrying IIT Dhanbad Students Plunges 100 Feet Near Sikkim’s Mangan; Several Injured
A tourist vehicle carrying IIT Dhanbad students, plunged approximately 100 feet down the road near Pakshep, Forest Dara, Mangan.
16th March 2025
Gangtok Resident Falls Victim to Job Fraud, Loses Rs 2.6 Lakh
Job Fraud in Gangtok: The scammers contacted him under the pretext of offering an online job opportunity."
15th March 2025
NH10 Road Widening and Maintenance Work Begins to Improve Sikkim’s Connectivity
In a major step toward improving road connectivity, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) has started road widening and maintenance work on National Highway 10 (NH10) after it suffered extensive damage from heavy rainfall, landslides, and river inundation. NHIDCL has taken over the crucial Sevok to Rangpo stretch from the Public Works Department […]
14th March 2025
Northeast’s Tourist Hotspot Sikkim Imposes Tourist Entry Fee. Check Details Here
Sikkim Imposes Tourist Entry Fee: The Rs. 50 fee allows tourists to explore Sikkim for one month.
13th March 2025