A Revsportz Exclusive
Responding to a Revsportz query on whether the International Olympic Committee is concerned with what is going on in India with the wrestler’s protest, an IOC spokesperson has now responded in detail.
We asked if Olympic champions protesting for weeks on end is something the IOC is taking cognizance of and if it’s a matter of grave concern with no resolution in sight.
This is what the International Olympic Committee has to say on the matter, “Dear Boria, the situation of the Wrestling Federation in India is being monitored by the International Federation concerned (United World Wrestling – UWW) and the IOA has been requested to liaise and work closely with UWW to coordinate any action vis-à-vis the Wrestling Federation in India.
The IOC stands together with all athletes to state that harassment and abuse of any kind are contrary to the values of Olympism. Athletes’ safety and wellbeing is a priority for the IOC and is in line with its mission, stated in the Olympic Charter, to “promote safe sport and the protection of athletes from all forms of harassment and abuse”. To support this, the IOC Executive Board recently announced the setup of a dedicated working group to determine independent models and systems to strengthen safe sport at the local level, alongside a USD 10 million fund per Olympiad to ensure support and resources are directed to where they are most needed (Please find the news here: https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-announces-usd-10-million-fund-to-strengthen-safe-sport).
Safeguarding is an extremely complex topic requiring specialised, sensitive and comprehensive approaches in order to prevent, and ensure appropriate response to harassment and abuse to protect and support affected individuals. As this incident is under investigation by the relevant organisations, we cannot comment on individual cases.”
It is evident from the above that the IOC is closely monitoring the situation and like everyone else in India would want a speedy resolution to the crisis.