Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha has publicly expressed regret for any perceived insensitivity during the high-profile wrestlers’ protest last year. The protest, which saw some of India’s most celebrated wrestlers, including Olympic and World Championship medallists, demanding the arrest of then-Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, brought significant attention to the issue of sexual harassment within Indian sports.

The wrestlers, who gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, accused Singh of sexually harassing seven female wrestlers, including a minor. The protests led to the disbanding of the WFI by India’s sports ministry, which cited several lapses in the federation’s management. A temporary team was put in place to manage its affairs.

Reflecting on the situation, Usha, the first woman president of the IOA, acknowledged the complexities and learning experiences derived from the events. In a statement to Sportstar, she emphasized the importance of athlete welfare and the need for effective communication. 

“The events surrounding the wrestlers’ protest last year were undoubtedly challenging and have been a significant learning experience for all of us,” Usha said. 

“The welfare and well-being of our athletes are paramount, and I am committed to ensuring their voices are heard and respected.”

Despite her commitment, Usha also suggested that the wrestlers could have sought a dialogue with the IOA before resorting to public protest. “In hindsight, certain aspects of the situation could have been handled better,” she stated. 

“Communication is crucial in such sensitive matters, but I believe the wrestlers could have approached us first to discuss their concerns rather than resorting to a street protest.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also weighed in, condemning the mistreatment of the wrestlers and supporting the call for a thorough investigation. Following the protests, the Delhi court framed charges of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who will now face trial. Although Singh did not run in the subsequent WFI elections, his close ally Sanjay Singh won the election and became the new chief in December 2023.

Despite the upheaval, Indian wrestling continues to show promise on the international stage. Six Indian wrestlers have earned quotas for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Among them, Antim Panghal (women’s 53kg) and Aman Sehrawat (men’s 57kg) are seeded fourth and sixth respectively in their weight categories. 

The other four wrestlers – Vinesh Phogat (women’s 50kg), Anshu Malik (women’s 57kg), Nisha Dahiya (women’s 68kg), and Reetika Hooda (women’s 76kg) – will compete unseeded when the wrestling competition begins on August 5.

As Indian wrestling moves forward, the IOA and the new WFI leadership will be under scrutiny to ensure that athletes’ welfare remains a priority and that the lessons from the past protests lead to more effective management and support for the country’s top sports talents.