Date : 31/08/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 2 – Social Justice

Keywords – Wrestling Federation of India, UWW, IOA, National Human Right Commission

Context –

• The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has been provisionally suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) due to delays in its election process. The suspension follows allegations of sexual harassment, financial irregularities, and administrative deficiencies made by prominent wrestlers against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and others.
• This suspension is a response to the WFI's failure to have an elected president and board, which contradicts UWW regulations and membership requirements. The suspension is anticipated to endure for a minimum of six months. The UWW's rationale for this action includes safeguarding athletes and the imperative of restoring the federation's operational efficiency.

What led to the delay?

• The scheduled WFI elections on May 7 were disrupted due to the demand of protesting wrestlers for the arrest of Brij Bhushan and the exclusion of his family from the elections. This situation prompted the Ministry of Sports to intervene, resulting in the suspension of the polls.
• The Ministry asked the Olympic Association to establish an ad-hoc committee. Despite efforts to proceed with the elections on the IOA's designated date, the process was further hindered by the issuance of stays on the elections by the High Courts of Guwahati and Punjab & Haryana.

Consequences of the suspension include:

• Indian wrestlers are ineligible to participate under the national flag in UWW-sanctioned competitions.
• The national anthem will not be performed if an Indian wrestler secures a gold medal in these events.
• Nevertheless, Indian wrestlers are not prohibited from competing.

Common challenges encountered by women in sports include

• Insufficient Financial Backing and Assistance: - The US women’s soccer team faced unequal pay despite outperforming the men's team in championships.
• Gender-Based Bias: - Female athletes are often subjected to misconceptions about their physical strength and capabilities.
• Gender Inequality in Leadership Roles: - Male dominance in positions of power and political interference hinder progress in Indian sports.
• Instances of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct:

• Tennis player Ruchika Girhotra and Chinese Tennis star Peng Shuai's cases highlight the issue.
• USA Gymnastics experienced a significant sexual abuse scandal.

• Limited Media Exposure: - Women's sports events receive less coverage in the media, leading to reduced sponsorship opportunities.
• Impaired Training Conditions: - Inferior facilities, lack of expert coaches, and inadequate equipment hamper quality training.
• Stereotyping and Objectification: - Female athletes often face objectification and stereotyping based on their physical appearance.
• Societal Attitudes and Discrimination: - Gender identity-based discrimination, negative judgments, and loss of status prevail.
• Ethical Concerns: - Instances of sexual harassment in sports result in the abuse of authority, betrayal of trust, and unsafe environments.

Sports and inclusive development in India

Sports have played a crucial role in bringing athletes and sportspersons from various fields together in one place, contributing to economically and geographically marginalized areas by empowering women and youth.

• Initiatives like the Khelo India Women's League have been introduced to encourage women's participation in sports.
• Since the start of the Khelo India Women's League, more than 1.25 lakh women have participated in over 27 sports competitions held in more than 50 cities across the country.
• Real-life stories from the sports world showcase how women athletes have overcome economic and social obstacles.
• To excel in sports and believe that sports have transformed their lives. Be it world boxing champion Nikhat Zareen, Mary Kom, or Hima Das.
• Around 50% of the athletes in the Tokyo Olympics were women, and they secured nearly 50% of the medals won by the country. Prominent athletes include Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, and PV Sindhu
• The increasing community of women entering sports will bring about a change in society's perception of women from various segments.
• Focus on women's inclusion and engaging youth across the country, including regions affected by extremism like Jammu and Kashmir, witnessing transformative reform in these areas.

Measures required and those already initiated to tackle challenges faced by women in sports:

• Education and Awareness: - Initiatives like the International Olympic Committee's Athlete365 program offer educational resources to raise awareness about athlete well-being.
• Development of Policies and Guidelines: - The Sports Authority of India mandates the presence of female coaches to accompany female athletes during travel, ensuring their safety.
• Establishment of Reporting Mechanisms: - The Sexual Harassment Electronic Box (SHe-Box) provides a platform for women to register complaints of harassment, ensuring a safe space for reporting.
• Accountability and Enforcement: - The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken action by issuing notices in cases of inappropriate coach behavior, ensuring accountability.
• Support and Empowerment: - The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the Khelo India Scheme to promote girls' sports participation, providing support and empowerment.

Conclusion –

The resolution of the challenges encountered by women in sports demands a synchronized and collaborative endeavor encompassing diverse stakeholders, including governmental bodies, sports institutions, and civil society. By collectively working towards establishing an atmosphere that is secure and impartial, we can foster an environment in which women can thrive, showcasing their skills and talents on a level playing field within the realm of sports. The amalgamation of efforts, policy initiatives, awareness campaigns, and implementation of stringent mechanisms is pivotal in ensuring that the potential of women athletes is maximized, creating a future where gender disparities are eliminated women's contributions to the sports arena are duly acknowledged and celebrated.

Source – The Hindu