Ministry forms panel for women sportspersons
their consent, did not report for the camp. “This is a serious issue,” said Singh, adding, “They haven’t given any reason. If they don’t inform the federation, they might not get to participate.”
Sushil and Yogeshwar have also not announced their plans, so it’s uncertain whether they will appear for trials for the Asian meet. Sushil has been out of action since June. After skipping the Olympics qualifying rounds in 2015-16, he claimed competition fitness in May last and urged the Wrestling Federation of India to conduct trials in 74kg.
Since the WFI was reluctant, Sushil knocked at the doors of the high court. Eventually, the trials were not held and Narsingh Yadav, who had won the Rio quota place, was chosen. Yadav was later dropped due to antidoping violation.
minister Vijay Goel announced that his ministry will constitute a high-level committee to resolve the grievances and complaints of women sportspersons.
The joint secretary (sports) will be chairman of the panel. Other members of the panel will include athletes, advocates and senior officials of the ministry apart from a woman sports journalist.
“The ministry follows a zerotolerance policy on sexual harassment,” said Goel on Wednesday. He said the ministry was encouraging women to take up sports. “The ministry provides equal assistance and incentives to both male and female athletes and there is no gender discrimination for training,” he said.
The day-long discussion focused on creation of safe spaces for women athletes and coaches.