Former Indian footballer and HSP President Bhaichung Bhutia stands in solidarity with women wrestlers protesting against sexual harassment

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