Our betis are speaking out, give them all ears

The safety of their child is an instinctive thought for every parent. Since it is impossible to shield one’s loved ones all the time, parents think of strengthening their children so they can defend themselves from any eventuality.

The best way to do this, they believe, is to arm their ward, especially the girl child, with a defence skill like a martial art. When their girl lifts that skill to a professional level, parents are doubly reassured. But lurking around the corner, there still is a predator reaching out for the innocent soul with lustful intentions.

No protective parental barrier can be strong enough to block a concealed lecherous hand, the wrongdoing of which will linger for a lifetime in the mind of the abused body. When that randy hand is that of an elected people’s representative masquerading as the very guardian of the unsuspecting victim, the helpless situation of the parent can only be empathised with. Enter the politician, and things are bound to get murkier.

Toeing the line of the ironically white-clad statesman will then be a creature in khadi, who can go as far as defying even the apex court of the land. Sexual harassment is a pervasive problem affecting individuals across all walks of life. Sadly, women in most fields have become increasingly vulnerable to sexual misconduct, including those who participate in sports such as wrestling.

Despite efforts to prevent and combat sexual harassment in sports, female wrestlers continue to face harassment and abuse and often feel powerless to protect themselves, rendering their medal-earning efforts mere academic achievements. Wrestling has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, but in recent years, women’s wrestling has gained more recognition and popularity.

While this is a positive development, it has also exposed female wrestlers to new challenges, including sexual harassment. Female wrestlers may be subjected to unwanted advances, lewd comments and even assault by coaches, trainers or other male athletes. In many cases, they may not feel comfortable speaking up or reporting these incidents due to fear of retaliation or being ostracised by their peers.

One of the major challenges female wrestlers face is the lack of adequate support systems. Often, there are no proper policies or mechanisms in place to prevent or address harassment, and these women may feel alone and vulnerable. ‘How very true’, leading wrestlers of the country battling the system and scorching summer sun through a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi are sure to say.

Furthermore, the nature of wrestling as a contact sport can also exacerbate the problem of sexual harassment. Wrestlers may be required to engage in close physical contact with their opponents, creating space for inappropriate behaviour or abuse. It is crucial that sports organisations and governing bodies take proactive measures to address these issues and ensure that all wrestlers, regardless of gender, are safe from harassment and abuse.

Several factors such as fear of retaliation, concern about career repercussions and lack of trust in authorities, may contribute to female wrestlers being reluctant to report incidents of sexual harassment. Therefore, it is important that they have access to confidential and supportive resources, such as hotlines or counselling services, where they can get the help they need without fear of retribution or stigma.

Particularly in a field like wrestling, it is crucial that relevant organisations and governing bodies take proactive measures to prevent and address harassment and provide a safe and supportive environment for all. Women wrestlers particularly must feel empowered to speak up, seek help and support, and take a stand against sexual harassment so that they can continue to thrive in this sport without fear or intimidation.