Revsportz Exclusive
Why did IOA Athletes Commission, which met yesterday did not reveal a statement of solidarity in favour of the wrestlers? It is reliably learnt that one of the members apparently shot it down. The question that we ask is, “If athletes don’t stand up for athletes, who will?”
The statement was ready. Revsportz is in possession of the statement, which said:
“The members of the IOA Athlete’s Commission are unanimously and deeply concerned that our colleagues from the Athletes fraternity have levelled serious allegations against the National Federation, WFI ranging from sexual harassment, sports code violations, and ethics complaints.
The commission acknowledges the immediate dissolution of the WFI by the IOA and the FIRs filed by Delhi police following the Intervention of the Supreme Court of India
The allegations by several athletes including Olympic and World medallists have been made via public protests, indicate a lack of a proper institutional redressal mechanism.
As the newly elected Apex body created to deal with Athletes issues, the IOA AC is here to represent the concerns of athletes and shall strive to put systems in place to regain the faith of the athlete community, ensuring their due respect, carry their voice in official forums and provide counseling and support.
We express solidarity with the protesting athletes and hope to see a swift resolution so that they can return to training and competing for India.”
However, once it was approved by the members present Gagan Narang, Rani Rampal, Sharath Kamal, who was chairing in the absence of Mary Kom, Shiva Kesavan, OP Singh, Abhinav Bindra- ex-officio member, one of the members expressed dissent and eventually the plan was shot down.
If a relatively neutral statement can’t be released in support of fellow athletes who are Olympic medal winners, what’s the Athletes Commission for? It is to protect athletes and that’s exactly what it isn’t doing.
The other question we have for the members of the Athletes Commission is why did majority opinion not prevail? What we know is one of the members shot it down. So then why did the majority not go ahead with it? Why would a minority view prevail?
Finally, much is expected of Mary Kom as Chair. She is one of India’s best and has seen struggle from very close. Yesterday she wasn’t there. And hasn’t attended any meetings so far. Mary needs to lead from the front for things to get better.