Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran, a witness in a sexual harassment case against the outgoing head of India’s wrestling federation, has filed her candidature in the elections to replace him, Indian media reported on Monday.
The 38-year-old is the only female candidate vying to take over the post of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president from Brij Bhushan Singh, who was last month charged with sexual harassment and stalking, reported the Indian Express.
Singh, 66, who is also an MP for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), denies all charges and has said he is a victim of a “conspiracy”.
He has been accused by Olympic medallists and other Indian wrestlers of groping female athletes and demanding sexual favours.
Sheoran faces stiff competition in the Aug 12 elections, with votes cast by state wrestling federation chiefs, many of whom are reported to back candidates loyal to Singh, according to the Indian Express.
Wrestlers including world champion Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik had held a weeks-long demonstration in New Delhi, demanding Singh’s arrest.
Indian sports administration has long been male-dominated, but in December, former track and field star P.T. Usha was named the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association, ushering in hopes of a more inclusive era.
AFP
