Indian Wrestling’s Comeback Story

Over a year ago, a wave of sexual harassment allegations shook Indian wrestling, leaving a trail of uncertainty and fear among its female athletes. The BBC spoke to young wrestlers about their journey, and how they’ve managed to gear up for major events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite the setbacks.

A new generation of Indian wrestlers

A year ago, all wrestling came to a halt in India after the federation’s chief Brij Bhushan Singh was accused of sexual misconduct. He denies the allegations, but the incident sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country.

Young wrestlers like Reetika Hooda, a 23-year-old who has qualified for the Olympics, remember watching India’s most accomplished wrestlers, including her inspiration Sakshi Malik, camping on the roads of Delhi, demanding Singh’s resignation.

‘It was sad - not only because of what was happening but also what wasn’t.’ - Reetika Hooda

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) condemned the way the wrestlers were treated and called for an impartial inquiry into their complaints.

However, instead of competing, Hooda stared at an empty sporting calendar for weeks, with no trials, no national competitions, and no approvals from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The constant fear that they won’t be prepared for the Olympics loomed large.

Wrestlers protesting in Delhi

Fresh elections to the WFI were finally held in December 2023, almost a year after the protests began. But the election of Sanjay Singh, a close aide to the former chief, sparked outrage among women wrestlers.

Sakshi Malik, an Olympic medallist, quit the sport in protest, leaving many young wrestlers stunned and heartbroken.

‘Even now I get emotional when I think of that moment.’ - Sakshi Malik

However, young wrestlers like Tanu Malik were determined not to give up. She began training harder than ever, inspired by Sakshi’s courage to speak out against the alleged harassment.

Tanu Malik in training

In their free time, the wrestlers talk about diets and share recipes that would help them stay fit. They’re determined to stay focused on their game, despite the fear of harassment that still lingers.

Coach Seema Kharab says that the number of girls at the academy has not dropped since the protests. In fact, the protests have assured young wrestlers that it is possible to raise their voice and get support within the system.

Wrestlers at the Yudhvir Wrestling Academy

Reetika Hooda is among the five women wrestlers from India to qualify for the Olympics. As she gets ready for training, a picture of Sakshi posing with her Olympic medal beams down at her.

‘My only focus now is to win a medal. Who knows, maybe one day I will have my picture next to hers.’ - Reetika Hooda

Despite the setbacks, Indian wrestling is slowly rising from the ashes. The young wrestlers are more determined than ever to make a mark on the international stage, and prove that they won’t let fear hold them back.