London: The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will be held in five cities in the Victoria state of Australia in March 2026, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has confirmed.The host city contract was signed in Victoria on Monday."In what will be a first-ever predominantly regional Commonwealth Games, Victoria 2026 will be staged in March 2026 across multiple cities and regional hubs including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. The Opening Ceremony will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground," the CGF informed in a release.The announcement follows a successful exclusive dialogue period between the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGAus) and Victoria, where an exciting proposal to stage the major multi-sport competition across the State was agreed upon.The proposal capitalises on the 2026/30 Strategic Roadmap, which provides renewed flexibility to be innovative and creative in delivering the Games, the CGF said.CGF President Dame Louise Martin said, "The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria. Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision for hosting our major multi-sport event. In Victoria, we believe we have found the perfect partner for the next stage of our journey."This is a very special moment for the Commonwealth Sports Family and on behalf of the entire Movement, I would like to congratulate Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria on their successful Games submission. We now look forward to a bright future as we work together to stage a Commonwealth Games like no other," she said.On the occasion, Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said, "It's a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games -- we can't wait to welcome the world to our state.""The Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is great for jobs, hospitality and our economy," he added."Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games on five occasions, with Victoria playing host to the Melbourne 2006 Games; widely considered one of the most successful editions of the event in history. The country has also staged the Games in Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982 and most recently Gold Coast in 2018. Victoria has also hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo in 2004," he added.Victoria has a strong track record for staging high-profile sporting competitions including The Australian Open tennis grand slam, the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is a major cricket venue in Australia and hosts international and domestic matches regularly. The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be staged in Birmingham, England from July 28 to August 8.—IANS

 The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will be held in five cities in the Victoria state of Australia in March 2026, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has confirmed.

Victoria Confirmed As Host For 2026 Commonwealth Games, To Be Held In March In Five Cities

Chennai: The Olympiad for People with Disabilities will not be held in India as originally announced, said a senior official of International Chess Federation, commonly known as FIDE."The Olympiad for People with Disabilities is basically an additional event that comes at a high cost. Because FIDE's goal is not just to hold it, but to hold it at the highest level," David Llada, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, FIDE, told IANS."But, given the unusual circumstances, it was already difficult enough to find funding for the main event. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) already has a titanic challenge ahead of them. Any other hosting country has several years to prepare - Chennai only has months," Llada added.According to him, holding the Olympiad for People with Disabilities elsewhere helps to alleviate the financial and organisational pressure on AICF.FIDE had allotted India the main Olympiad, the 44th Chess Olympiad and the Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities.Owing to Russia's military operation in Ukraine, FIDE had shifted the Olympiad out of Moscow in February 2022. Sensing an opportunity, the AICF quickly acted and submitted its bid backed by the Tamil Nadu government and FIDE awarded the Olympiad to India in March.The AICF Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan had told IANS that every country used to get four years' time to organise the Olympiad but India got just about four months.The Chess Olympiad will be held in the Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort &amp; Convention Centre near here. "I have written to the FIDE Commission for Disabled enquiring whether the Olympiad for People with Disabilities will be held in India in 2022? If no, then when and where it is slated. If the event is not to be held, whether FIDE would allow three international teams -- blind, deaf and dumb and physically handicapped -- to participate in the main Olympiad to be held in Chennai as in the past," Charudatta Jadhav, President, International Braille Chess Association (IBCA) and All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) told IANS Jadhav said the Olympiad for People with Disabilities was started by FIDE recently. As a result, three international teams of blind/deaf and dumb/physically disabled chess players were not allowed to participate in the main Olympiad.—IANS

 The Olympiad for People with Disabilities will not be held in India as originally announced, said a senior official of International Chess Federation, commonly known as FIDE. "The Olympiad for People with Disabilities is basically an additional event that comes at a high cost. Because FIDE's goal is not just to hold it, but to hold it at the highest level," David Llada, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, FIDE, told IANS.

Chess Olympiad For Disabled Will Not Be Held In India: FIDE

 The Olympiad for People with Disabilities will not be held in India as originally announced, said a senior official of International Chess Federation, commonly known as FIDE.
"The Olympiad for People with Disabilities is basically an additional event that comes at a high cost. Because FIDE's goal is not just to hold it, but to hold it at the highest level," David Llada, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, FIDE, told IANS.





Mangalore: The Surfing Federation of India on Thursday announced the third edition of the Indian Open Surfing. The premier surfing competition is recognised by the international surfing association and will be hosted by the Mantra Surf Club at the Panambur Beach here from May 27-29.The three-day competition will see participation from all the top surfers of India as per their rankings and will be a part of the Karnataka Surfing Festival. Karnataka Tourism has come on board with the Indian Open Surfing as the title partners, while Chennai based TT Group are the associate partners. The competition will have participation in three categories - men, women and U- 16.—PTI

The Surfing Federation of India on Thursday announced the third edition of the Indian Open Surfing.

Surfing Federation announces 3rd edition of the Indian Open Surfing

New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea filed by the Aam Aadmi Party government challenging the postponement of Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCD) polls on grounds of delimitation of wards in the national capital.The apex court is also slated to hear several important matters, including pleas of the Jharkhand government and Chief Minister Hemant Soren against a high court order that had accepted the maintainability of a PIL for a probe against the JMM leader into alleged irregularities in the grant of mining leases.Another bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud would consider the plea related to illegal continuation of committee and Praful Patel as president of All India Football Federation (AIFF) for over a decade. —PTI&nbsp;

SC to hear Kejriwal govt's plea challenging postponement of MCD polls

Chandigarh: Top wrestlers in India, many of whom hail from Haryana, have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing players. In response, politicians in the state have responded aggressively, with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar saying, "we will not let their morale to break".
Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a member of the Congress party, spoke out strongly in support of the players, stating, "it is a matter of great misfortune and shame that our players, the pride of the country, have to protest on the streets today".
Several Khaps in the state, including the Phogat Khap, also spoke up for the grapplers. On Thursday, a 'Sarv Jatiya Khap Mahapanchayat' was conducted in Charkhi Dadri.—Inputs from Agencies

Top wrestlers in India, many of whom hail from Haryana, have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing players

Wrestlers' protest: Sharp reactions in Haryana; CM assures 'won't let players' morale break', Cong asks questions

Soumitra Bose
New Delhi (The Hawk): Hornet's Nest...To shatter, tumble, crackle, cackle, split? Apparently yes, apparently no! How?!? Well, to put it soberly without any bias, the wrestlers --- most of them array of medals including gold winners --- of the country are up in arms against their WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) bosses including its President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh (photo along side), Lok Sabha MP, and others for wrongfully (s)exploiting them thereby pushing them in to deep dungeon of social uncertainties galore thus, "dark future for them in the ensuing days". Wrestlers of all hues that is of all categories / weights want immediate dismissal of the WFI office bearers including Singh should the wrestling in the country continue in the coming days that already are stacked with many a scheduled competition wherein, if they go all out, they are sure to win many medals doing India proud "as before", analyse insiders. Award-winning wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat (photo along side) are currently on Delhi-roads demanding immediate dismissal of WFI to restore the "old amicable, amiable, all round conducive atmosphere back in wrestling unlike now; now is muck, seedy, shady". Or, hornet's nest shaking...&nbsp;

Hornet's Nest...To shatter, tumble, crackle, cackle, split? Apparently yes, apparently no! How?!? Well, to put it soberly without any bias, the wrestlers

Hornet's Nest

Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The group of wrestlers were protesting against Wrestling Federation of India&amp;#39;s &amp;#39;arbitrary&amp;#39; laws &amp;amp; called for a boycott of its president at Jantar Mantar. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers demanded action against the Wrestling Federation of India chief and other officials against alleged sexual exploitation of several athletes. Wrestlers, who have been protesting for two days at Delhi&amp;#39;s Jantar Mantar, has now ended their sit-in after getting assurance from the central government to resolve their grievances. Neither Indian sports nor the governing body SAI is new to controversies. Flip through the pages of history and one can find several incidents of misbehaviour and allegations of sexual harassment made by leading sportswomen of the country.
Sport, when purposefully planned, gives us the environment and opportunity to enforce values such as respect and equality, both on and off the field, and can reduce gender inequalities and violence against women. Sexual abuse toward women athletes has been a problem for as long as women’s sports has existed. Most sexual harassment and abuse is perpetrated by people in positions of authority within the sport industry, often coaches. It happens in all sports and at all levels. Sexual harassment and abuse within the sports industry is suspected to be significantly underreported due to social conditions that discourage disclosure. Many hesitate to come forward fearing they won’t be believed or will be disregarded in favor of the perpetrators’ denial. According to data gathered from a right to information application, it was found that between 2010 to 2020, there were 45 complaints of sexual harassment to the SAI, of which 29 were against coaches. Notably, Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a &amp;#39;khota sikka&amp;#39; after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;
Many sexual harassment cases have involved coaches and mentors, and athletes are calling for an organized system allowing women to share complaints without fear of damaging their careers. Sexual harassment and abuse arise from the culture of sport and from the opportunities for exploitation of power and authority which this affords coaches. Commonly reported types of sexual harassment include “‘repeated unwanted sexually suggestive glances, jokes, comments, etc.’, ‘unwanted physical contact’, [and] ‘ridicule.’” There is a culture of subservience in sport and therefore &amp;#39;grooming&amp;#39; becomes common, making it very hard for athletes to come forward and complain.
In multiple ways, a coach has significant power over an athlete. Traditionally, athletes place their trust in their coach, taking their advice and following their instructions uncritically because the coach has greater knowledge about and experience with the sport. Coaches can either boost or diminish the athletes’ self- esteem, and they have significant control over the participation and success of athletes and whether they lose their jobs. It’s evident that anywhere in the world, when vulnerable female athletes are placed in the charge of a male coach, there exists the danger that he could prey on them. It’s a very complex situation, and a monitoring mechanism independent of the sports federations would be the first step towards protecting female athletes.
No doubt, SAI has made it mandatory for all federations to ensure female athletes are accompanied by a female coach during domestic and international travel. SAI has also asked the federations to appoint a ‘compliance officer’ at national camps and tours in order to ensure the ‘Standard Operating Procedure on prevention of sexual harassment’ is followed, and that any violation is reported ‘at the earliest’.&nbsp;
Our Sports organisations must have guidelines for preventing violence against women in their player and employee codes of conduct, and have mechanisms for responding to allegations of sexual misconduct and violence. Sports bodies have to take the lead and set conditions right so vulnerable athletes feel secure to come forward and complain. —The Hawk Features
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The group of wrestlers were protesting against Wrestling Federation of India&amp;#39;s &amp;#39;arbitrary&amp;#39; laws &amp;amp; called for a boycott of its president at Jantar Mantar. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers demanded action against the Wrestling Federation of India chief and other officials against alleged sexual exploitation of several athletes. Wrestlers, who have been protesting for two days at Delhi&amp;#39;s Jantar Mantar, has now ended their sit-in after getting assurance from the central government to resolve their grievances. Neither Indian sports nor the governing body SAI is new to controversies. Flip through the pages of history and one can find several incidents of misbehaviour and allegations of sexual harassment made by leading sportswomen of the country.
Sport, when purposefully planned, gives us the environment and opportunity to enforce values such as respect and equality, both on and off the field, and can reduce gender inequalities and violence against women. Sexual abuse toward women athletes has been a problem for as long as women’s sports has existed. Most sexual harassment and abuse is perpetrated by people in positions of authority within the sport industry, often coaches. It happens in all sports and at all levels. Sexual harassment and abuse within the sports industry is suspected to be significantly underreported due to social conditions that discourage disclosure. Many hesitate to come forward fearing they won’t be believed or will be disregarded in favor of the perpetrators’ denial. According to data gathered from a right to information application, it was found that between 2010 to 2020, there were 45 complaints of sexual harassment to the SAI, of which 29 were against coaches. Notably, Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a &amp;#39;khota sikka&amp;#39; after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;
Many sexual harassment cases have involved coaches and mentors, and athletes are calling for an organized system allowing women to share complaints without fear of damaging their careers. Sexual harassment and abuse arise from the culture of sport and from the opportunities for exploitation of power and authority which this affords coaches. Commonly reported types of sexual harassment include “‘repeated unwanted sexually suggestive glances, jokes, comments, etc.’, ‘unwanted physical contact’, [and] ‘ridicule.’” There is a culture of subservience in sport and therefore &amp;#39;grooming&amp;#39; becomes common, making it very hard for athletes to come forward and complain.
In multiple ways, a coach has significant power over an athlete. Traditionally, athletes place their trust in their coach, taking their advice and following their instructions uncritically because the coach has greater knowledge about and experience with the sport. Coaches can either boost or diminish the athletes’ self- esteem, and they have significant control over the participation and success of athletes and whether they lose their jobs. It’s evident that anywhere in the world, when vulnerable female athletes are placed in the charge of a male coach, there exists the danger that he could prey on them. It’s a very complex situation, and a monitoring mechanism independent of the sports federations would be the first step towards protecting female athletes.
No doubt, SAI has made it mandatory for all federations to ensure female athletes are accompanied by a female coach during domestic and international travel. SAI has also asked the federations to appoint a ‘compliance officer’ at national camps and tours in order to ensure the ‘Standard Operating Procedure on prevention of sexual harassment’ is followed, and that any violation is reported ‘at the earliest’.&nbsp;
Our Sports organisations must have guidelines for preventing violence against women in their player and employee codes of conduct, and have mechanisms for responding to allegations of sexual misconduct and violence. Sports bodies have to take the lead and set conditions right so vulnerable athletes feel secure to come forward and complain.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
—The Hawk Features

Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The group of wrestlers were protesting against Wrestling Federation of India&#39;s &#39;arbitrary&#39; laws &amp; called for a boycott of its president at Jantar Mantar.

Why India's Female Athletes Struggle With Sexual Harassment?

New Delhi: Having waited for three months, Star wrestlers again started their protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Sunday after and said that they took the step after alleging that no action has been taken in the matter and said that the FIR has not been registered against WFI chief.
Ace India wrestler Sakshi Malik broke down while interacting with the media as wrestlers protest at Jantar Mantar.
Top wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia have resumed their protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
"We wanted to file a sexual harassment FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Two days ago we got a complaint filed but FIR hasn't been registered yet. There are 7 female wrestlers and one of them is a minor. We want the investigation to happen fast. It is a sensitive matter. We are being framed as liars which we cannot bear. We are waiting for two and a half months now but no one is listening. People are saying we are spent force that is why we are protesting. We just won a medal at CWG 2022," Sakshi Malik told the media at Jantar Mantar.
Top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Dahiya, and Sakshi Malik, held a sit-in protest in Jantar Mantar in January this year, demanding that Brij Bhushan be removed from the head office and Wrestling Federation of India be disbanded. They had accused the body and its chief of sexual harassment and mistreatment of wrestlers.
"It is being heard that we are finished, that's why we are protesting. For two and a half months the government has not taken any action. We cannot reveal the name of a minor. Otherwise, her name and career will get spoilt," she added.
The grapplers protested against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in January this year. Following the protest, in January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formation of an 'oversight committee' to probe allegations levelled against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches. The committee was given the task of submitting a report on the issue to the ministry.
Olympic medalist Mary Kom is heading the Oversight Committee. Former wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, former shuttler Trupti Murgunde, SAI member Radhica Sreeman, ex-CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Plan Rajesh Rajagopalan, and CWG gold medalist Babita Phogat are the other members of the Mary Kom-led committee. But earlier in April, Punia had said that the wrestlers will go to court to protest against the report of the oversight committee appointed to investigate the matter and allegations put up by prominent Indian wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh.
Speaking to ANI exclusively, Punia said, "I read an article in which one of the committee members said that the report has been submitted to the Sports ministry without his signatures. The member also expressed his/her disagreement with the report. If a committee member is not involved in report submission and disagrees with the report, how are we supposed to trust it?"
"We were not even informed that the report was submitted to the ministry," he added. Punia also said that WFI should make public the statements given by female wrestlers in a sting operation to a private TV channel if it feels it is innocent and also, people get to decide who is right or wrong.
The wrestler said that they (wrestlers) will start protesting once again and will even go to the high court as soon as possible.
"We have to carry on with our sport, but we will protest and go to the high court as soon as possible," said Punia.
—ANI

Having waited for three months, Star wrestlers again started their protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

No FIR Filed Against WFI Prez Till Now: Sakshi Breaks Down

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Sunday provided security to all seven women wrestlers who have lodged complaints against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, the president of Wrestling Federation of India.
The Supreme Court had asked the Delhi Police to provide appropriate security to the victims who have levelled allegations against Singh. The Delhi Police have also called all the women wrestlers to join the probe and get their 161 CrPC statement recorded so that they could decide the future course of action.
Sources said that in a day or two the women wrestlers can come to Delhi Police's Connaught Place Police Station to get their statements recorded. On Saturday, a copy of one of the two FIRs lodged against Singh was handed over to the top grapplers who are protesting at the Jantar Mantar here. However, the copy of the other FIR registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has not been given to the wrestlers as it will be handed over to the victim's family, the police added. A senior police official said that they will soon record the statements of the victims. On Friday evening, police registered FIRs against the WFI president in response to the allegations made by the women wrestlers.
—IANS

The Delhi Police on Sunday provided security to all seven women wrestlers who have lodged complaints against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh,

Delhi Police Provide Security To 7 Women Wrestlers

Lucknow: The "shield of invincibility" he wears comes from the influence he enjoys in half a dozen Lok Sabha constituencies, while Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's strong links with the saints and his role in the Ayodhya temple movement make him stronger than many other MPs in the BJP.
The dozens of educational institutions he owns in eastern UP add to his vote bank.
Moreover, the ongoing municipal elections have created a climate that works in favour of the six-term MP, who is currently in the eye of storm over allegations of sexual harassment from wrestlers. Singh is the President of the Wrestling Federation of India and wrestlers have been on protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi demanding action against him. The Delhi Police has filed two cases against hin after the Supreme Court ordered them to do so.
One of the FIRs is over a complaint of sexual harassment by a minor, filed under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which gives no scope for bail.
Yet the Delhi police has made no efforts to arrest Singh, who insists that he will face an inquiry but will not resign "as a criminal". The BJP, that claims to be firm on discipline, has turned a proverbial Nelson's eye to his behaviour. Much before he took over as WFI President in 2011, Singh was known for his arm-twisting tactics.
A key player in the Ayodhya movement, he was known as a one-man army for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh at that time - the party then had minimal presence on the political centre stage in the state.
Born in Gonda in 1957, Singh's interest in politics began as a college student in the seventies. He entered politics with a vengeance when senior BJP leader L.K. Advani came to Gonda during the Ayodhya movement.
Singh offered to "drive" Advani's Rath and this catapulted him to instant fame within the BJP. Singh won his first election in 1991, defeating Raja Anand Singh from Gonda. The following year, he was named as an accused in the Babri demolition case which consolidated his "pro-Hindu image".
He was acquitted along with others in 2020.
Singh has been elected to the Lok Sabha six times from Gonda, Balrampur, and Kaiserganj and more than his political acumen, he has been known as a mafia of the region. At one point of time, Singh was named in more than three dozen criminal cases.
In 1996, he was accused of sheltering associates of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. He was booked under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) Act and jailed.
During his stint in prison, Atal Bihari Vajpayee allegedly wrote to him, asking him to take courage and "remember Savarkarji who was sentenced to life imprisonment".
Later, he was acquitted in the case, mainly due to lack of evidence.
In 1996, when he was in jail, the BJP gave the Lok Sabha ticket to his wife Ketaki Singh and she won with a handsome margin.
The BJP, interestingly, has always given ample political protection to Singh mainly because of the clout he wields in eastern UP and among Rajputs.
The party leadership knows that it would lose out on seats if it showed the door to Singh.
Singh's clout has only grown after the turn of the century and so has his money power.
His brazenness is evident from the fact that during the 2022 Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Singh admitted in an interview to a TV channel that he had committed one murder - something that even the most dreaded criminal does not admit on camera.
In the interview, he said he shot the man who had killed Ravindra Singh. "I pushed the man who shot Ravindra Singh and shot him dead," he said.
Earlier, in 2009, Singh had briefly parted ways with the BJP and joined the SP but he returned home to the BJP before Narendra Modi's victory in 2014.
As his stature grew within the BJP, his "business" also flourished.
He owns around 50 schools and colleges and has interests in mining besides dabbling in liquor contracts, coal business and also real estate.
Singh is known to gift motorcycles, scooters, and money to students and supporters on his birthday every year. His appointment as WFI chief in 2011, further added to his "weight".
In December 2021, he did not think twice before slapping a wrestler on-stage during an event in Ranchi.
The kind of clout that Singh wields within the BJP, is evident from the fact that he has even slammed the Yogi Adityanath government and accused the bureaucracy of making elected representatives "touch their feet". He also criticised the state government's lack of preparedness for floods.
Political analysts are actually bewildered at the lack of action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who is known to take the bull by its horns - more so, if it is a mafia in question. "One can simply not understand Yogi Adityanath turning a blind eye to Singh's activities. It has to be pressure from the top that is preventing the Chief Minister from turning his bulldozer towards Singh's kingdom," said a party functionary. The fact that no action - not even a word of disapproval -- was taken in the matter, has made him even bolder.
"Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh believes he is invincible and does not fear even his own party leadership. No one can dare criticise him and even journalists keep a safe distance from him. The police bow before him. The clout he wields can only be seen to be believed," said one of his former supporters.
On Sunday, Singh dropped broad hints about his political options when he praised SP President Akhilesh Yadav for not slamming him in the ongoing controversy. With the municipal elections already underway, the BJP knows that any action against this powerful MP will be detrimental to party interests.
Moreover, with Lok Sabha elections just a few months away, the BJP cannot target Singh.
He is any day a more influential Thakur in the state politics even though it is Yogi Adityanath who is recognised as a Thakur leader.
And that is reason enough for the BJP to avoid any action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
—IANS

 The "shield of invincibility" he wears comes from the influence he enjoys in half a dozen Lok Sabha constituencies, while Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's

What Makes Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh ‘Invincible’ In The BJP?

Gonda: Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing sexual harassment allegations and protest by a section of top wrestlers, Sunday alleged that Congress leader Deepender Hooda hatched the conspiracy against him and praised SP chief Akhilesh Yadav for not supporting the agitators.
Singh, who is also a BJP MP, alleged that Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist grappler Bajrang Punia was also involved in the conspiracy against him.
The WFI chief is in the eye of a storm after the grapplers levelled sexual harassment charges against him and demanded his arrest as well as ouster from the Wrestling Federation of India. Various political parties, including the Congress and AAP, have lent their support to the wrestlers.
Singh, who has till now remained defiant about not quitting his post, said that he was ready to resign if it would make the protesters go back home. “If they go back and sleep peacefully after my resignation, I am ready to do so.” Interacting with reporters at his residence in Bishnoharpur, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleged that “this whole conspiracy was hatched by Congress leader Deepender Hooda and wrestler Bajrang Punia. We have an audio (clip) to prove this. When the time comes, it will be handed over to the Delhi Police.” About political leaders visiting the protest site of wrestlers in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, the WFI president said, “The fight has now gone out of the hands of the players. Political parties have entered into this. I could see the signs from day one.” Talking to PTI here, the WFI president said, “I want to thank the leader of the Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav (for not siding with the protesting wrestlers). I know him since his childhood. I am elder to him. Though there are political differences between us, Akhilesh knows the truth.” “If there are 10,000 wrestlers in Uttar Pradesh, 8,000 of them are from the Yadav community and belong to the Samajwadi family. Hence they know the truth,” he said.
The Delhi Police on Friday registered two FIRs against Singh on allegations of sexual harassment levelled by seven women wrestlers. While the first FIR pertained to allegations of a minor wrestler and was registered under the POCSO Act, the second was related to outraging modesty.
The BJP MP from Kaiserganj added that the protesters are mere “toys” in the hands of the Opposition.
“All these players have become toys in the hands of the Congress and other opposition parties. Their motive is political and not my resignation,” Singh said, adding that he was yet to receive a copy of the FIR registered against him. The WFI chief wondered why the railway board was not stopping wrestlers associated with the railways from sitting on protest in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
“It is their right to protest. But, can a player associated with the railways sit on a protest like this where objectionable slogans are being raised against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” he asked. Replying to a question, the BJP MP said, “Don’t drag the party (BJP) into this. These allegations are levelled against me as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India and not as a BJP MP.” “I have to prove my innocence… If the party asks me to resign, I will do so immediately.” About Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s participation in the wrestlers’ protest, Singh said “She does not know the facts. Deepender Hooda, the architect of this conspiracy, brought her to the protest site.” “The day she comes to know the truth or the day the investigation report comes out she will realize that she should not have gone to the protest site. I openly challenge them to fight against me from Kaiserganj, Gonda, Shravasti or any Lok Sabha seat in the area. The result will clear all misunderstandings.” The BJP MP claimed that “a big industrialist is responsible for the conspiracy against me.” Asked to name the industrialist, he said, “If I do so, he will get me killed.” The protesting wrestlers had on Saturday warned against using their platform for political gains claiming few people were trying to take their fight for justice in a different direction.&nbsp;&nbsp;
—PTI&nbsp;

 Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing sexual harassment allegations and protest by a section of top wrestlers, 

WFI Chief Claims Bajrang Punia, Cong's Deepender Hooda Hatched Plot; Thanks Akhilesh For Not Backing Stir

New Delhi: The Delhi Police are yet to interrogate Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in connection with the two FIRs registered against him on April 21, pertaining to serious allegations, including violations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
As per sources, the police are yet to summon Singh, despite the FIRs filed 14 days ago. "We have recorded the statements of seven wrestlers and Singh will be served summons soon," said a source. According to police, one of the cases against him was registered under IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), and 354D (stalking), while the other was registered under section 10 of the POCSO Act.
What law says?
While demands for the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), persist due to three non-bailable and "serious" offences, legal provisions and Supreme Court rulings provide clarity on the matter. As per section 41A of IPC and various judgments of the apex court, the arrest of an accused is not obligatory if the maximum punishment prescribed for the offence is less than seven years of imprisonment. Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal said that the decision to make an arrest lies solely with the police authorities. However, in cases involving serious offences, it is generally considered the norm to make an arrest. "Notably, offences under the POCSO Act are classified as non-bailable. Therefore, if there is a legitimate investigative requirement, the likelihood of an arrest occurring as a consequential action is high," said Jindal.
Another Supreme Court lawyer, Rudra Vikram Singh said that since there is delay in arresting Singh, it might be due to primary investigation in the matter.
"Also since the offences under POCSO Act and other acts allegedly committed entail a sentence up to seven years hence in these circumstances, the investigating officer might follow the compliance of provisions of Section 41 and Section 41-A of the CrPC as provided by Supreme Court in Amresh Kumar vs State of Bihar. If Singh does not cooperate with the 'Investigating Officer' (IO) in the probe, police can arrest him," Singh added.
What wrestlers demand?
Earlier, after the Supreme Court closed the proceedings on a plea by three women wrestlers, who have levelled sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan, Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik said, "it's okay", and that they will decide the future course of action after consulting with seniors.
"It is okay, we respect the Supreme Court. Their job is only to register the FIR. No court can ask anyone to arrest. We are sitting firm on our protest and it will go on till we get justice," the 30-year-old wrestler told IANS.
"First the statements of our girls should be recorded before the magistrate under 164 CrPC. That is not done yet. We are waiting for it, after that we will see what needs to be done in this regard."
—IANS

The Delhi Police are yet to interrogate Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in connection

Sexual Harassment Case: Wfi Chief Brij Bhushan Yet To Be Questioned

Lucknow: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by women wrestlers, has said that he would "hang himself if even a single allegation against him was proved".
In a video message released on Sunday, Singh said, "I will hang myself even if a single allegation against me is proved. The matter is with the Delhi Police, so I won't be able to speak much in detail on the matter. I have been saying this from the first day if these wrestlers have any video evidence against me. You should ask anyone who is associated with wrestling. Is Brij Bhushan Ravana?" Singh said that he was recording the video message on the way to his home in Gonda from Delhi. He further said, "Except these wrestlers (who are protesting), ask anyone if I have done anything wrong. I have given 11 years of my life to wrestling, to this country." The wrestlers have alleged that there has been a delay from the government in releasing the report of the committee that was formed to look into the allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh.
The protesting wrestlers also want the WFI chief to be stripped of his portfolio. Two FIRs have been lodged against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at the Connaught Place Police Station. The first FIR pertains to allegations levelled by a minor victim and is registered under the POCSO Act, along with relevant IPC sections concerning outraging of modesty, etc. The Supreme Court, while hearing an urgent plea on the matter, concluded that filing of FIRs served the purpose of the plea filed by the protesting grapplers. The court also rejected petitioner's plea for a court-monitored probe.
—IANS

 Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by women wrestlers, has said

I Will Hang Myself If Allegations Proved: Brij Bhushan

New Delhi: A court here on Wednesday sought from the Delhi Police a status report pertaining to the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Since April 23, prominent Indian wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, who have achieved Olympic and World Championships recognition, have been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar against WFI chief.

Farmers have also extended their support to wrestlers and had arrived from Haryana and Punjab on Monday to join the wrestlers' protest.

During the hearing, the judge issued notice to Police on protesting wrestlers' plea seeking monitoring of the investigation and recording of the statement of the alleged victims before the court.

The court then directed the police to file the report by May 12, also the next date of hearing.

On Tuesday, Delhi Commission for Women also issued summons to Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal for failing to arrest the accused in the matter of sexual harassment with women wrestlers.

The women wrestlers had approached the Supreme Court and two FIRs were registered on April 28, one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act for allegedly sexually harassing a minor girl and another for sexual harassment of other complainants. IANS

A court here on Wednesday sought from the Delhi Police a status report pertaining to the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Court seeks Delhi Police's status report on sexual harassment case against WFI chief

A court here on Wednesday sought from the Delhi Police a status report pertaining to the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.


Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday announced Rs 2.5 crore for 16-year-old Uppala Praneeth who has been conferred grandmaster title by World Chess Federation.
The Chief Minister expressed his delight that Praneeth gained international fame in chess at a very young age.
KCR, as Rao is popularly known, called Praneeth and his parents to the Secretariat on Monday and blessed the grandmaster. He congratulated Praneeth's parents who worked hard and trained him well. The Chief Minister said that Praneeth's passion and hard work made him a Grandmaster.
He hoped Praneeth will reach more heights and bring laurels and fame to Telangana state and also to India in the future.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced Rs 2.5 crore to Praneeth to undergo training and for other expenses.
He said that Praneeth's rise as a grand master is proof that the state government is providing incentives to the sportspersons and the measures taken for the development of the sports field are yielding good results.
KCR also congratulated Veerlapalli Nandita, 19, on being recognised as a 'Woman Candidate Master' by the World Chess Federation and announced Rs 50 lakh to her to undergo advanced training and for other expenses. He wished Nandita to reach many heights at the international level.
—IANS

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday announced Rs 2.5 crore for 16-year-old Uppala Praneeth 

Telangana CM announces Rs 2.5 crore for Chess Grandmaster Praneeth

Ranchi: Jyothi Yarraji clinched the gold medal in the womens 100m hurdles at the ongoing Federation Cup 2023 athletics event at the Birsa Munda Stadium, here on Wednesday.
Jyothi Yarraji topped the podium with a meet-record time of 12.89s. In the process, she also breached the Asian Championships qualifying standard of 13.63s set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
The athlete from Andhra Pradesh was also just short of her own national record of 12.82.
On the other hand, R Nithya Ramraj (13.44s) and Sapna Kumari (13.58s), who finished second and third in the 100m hurdles, also made the cut for the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships, scheduled in Bangkok from June 12 to 16.
Later in the day, Jyothi Yarraji returned to top the 200m heats and qualified for the final with a time of 23.47s. The mark was also better than the Asian Championships entry standards.
In the men's 100m hurdles, Tejas Ashok Shirse won the gold medal with a time of 13.72s. He bettered the previous meet record of 13.65s set by Siddhanth Thingalaya in 2012.
Shalini Chaudhary won in the women's discus throw with an effort of 49.35m while Punjab's Damneet Singh aced the men's hammer throw competition with an effort of 64.91m.
—IANS

 Jyothi Yarraji clinched the gold medal in the womens 100m hurdles at the ongoing Federation Cup 2023

Federation Cup 2023 athletics: Jyothi Yarraji clinches 100m hurdles gold medal

New Delhi: Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday met the protesting wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar, and questioned the delay in justice to those who have made the country proud.

Pilot arrived at Jantar Mantar and spoke to wrestlers at length.

Speaking to the media after meeting the protesting wrestlers, Pilot said, "For the last 26 days our wrestlers have been sitting in protest to share their pain. Everyone supports them, but the justice which should have been given to them is being delayed."

Targeting the government, Pilot said, "Why is there delay in justice to those who made us proud? Administration and police must act swiftly."

He said that if the youth, farmers and wrestlers are not happy then the country can't prosper.

"The pain and issues of wrestlers need to be heard and addressed and the government and administration must act swiftly on the grievances of protesting wrestlers and justice should be delivered," he demanded.

He also pointed out that several people are coming to support the wrestlers here, but it is sad that the wrestlers are yet to get justice despite sitting here for the last several days.

"Action must be taken on their complaint so that the wrestlers are convinced of the action," the Congress leader said.

To another question about the remarks of WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh that medals can be bought for Rs 15, Pilot said, "For the last 26 days wrestlers are protesting and if they would have got timely justice then there was no need for them to sit here. They are sitting here in this heat as no action has been taken."

The wrestlers are protesting at Jantar Mantar for last 26 days and have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. IANS

Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday met the protesting wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar, and questioned the delay in justice to those who have made the country proud.

Why is there delay in justice to wrestlers: Sachin Pilot

Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday met the protesting wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar, and questioned the delay in justice to those who have made the country proud.


New Delhi: Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) will hold a protest on June 1 in several parts of the country, demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
On Monday, IANS had reported that the protest is likely to be shifted to Delhi borders like how farmers' agitation was held as wrestlers were in talks with farmers' unions and khaps. The move came after the Delhi Police cleared all signs of the wrestlers' month-long protest, taking away all items that the grapplers had brought to Jantar Mantar to protest against the WFI chief over sexual misconduct allegations.
On Tuesday a statement from Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) further strengthened the report, and it stated that Bajrang Punia attended the meeting organised by SKM.
"Bajrang Punia, representative of the Wrestlers' Action Committee, was a special invitee in the meeting organised by SKM. Bajrang said that the working committee of wrestlers will fully support the decisions of SKM in support of their struggle and will make all efforts to continue their fight for justice till the arrest of WFI chief, accused of sexual harassment of women wrestlers.
"It was assured in the meeting that SKM would support and actively participate in the struggle of the wrestlers till their victory. After discussion in the meeting, further course of action was decided."
SKM will coordinate with all other sections including trade unions, women, youth, students and businessmen, intellectuals and social movements to make this action massive and successful, it said.
"On June 5, SKM plans to expose Brij Bhushan criminal conduct so far and burn his effigy at village and town level across India. SKM will call a meeting of the National Council in New Delhi immediately after that and decide the future course of action to continue the struggle," the statement read.
The protesting wrestlers have now reached their respective homes and are in talks with each other through phones and discussing further plans.
—IANS

 Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) will hold a protest on June 1 in several parts of the country, demanding the arrest 

Sanyukt Kisan Morcha To Hold Protest Against Brij In Several Parts Of Country On June 1

New Delhi: Delhi Police have tightened security measures along the city's borders, including Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur, in the wake of a nationwide demonstration call by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) in support of the country's top grapplers protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
"Additional police personnel have been deployed, and extra checkpoints were set up to prevent any undesirable occurrences," a senior police official said on Thursday.
"Security has been heightened, and we have increased the presence of police personnel while setting up additional checkpoints at Delhi's borders. Our objective is to ensure the maintenance of law and order and prevent any untoward incidents," said another officer. The officer also mentioned that vehicles entering Delhi from neighbouring states are being subjected to thorough inspections at the borders. On Tuesday, the SKM had announced demonstrations and effigy burning of the WFI chief at villages and town centres on June 5, the day RSS workers and Mahants have called a rally in support of Brij Bhushan in Ayodhya.
The SKM also condemned the brutal repression of wrestlers protest on May 28, the day women wrestlers had called mahila mahapanchayat. "Modi Government's action against the wrestlers protesting against sexual harassment proves it's anti-woman and anti-people agenda. The crackdown against the protest infringes the citizens right to protest which has been repeatedly upheld by the Supreme Court," it said.
The SKM also demanded withdrawal of FIR against protestors and arrest of Brij Bhushan.
—IANS

 Delhi Police have tightened security measures along the city's borders, including Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur,

Security Tightened At Delhi Borders  Following SKM’s Nationwide Protest Call

New Delhi: Amid ongoing protests by the country's top wrestlers, who are seeking action against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh on allegations of sexual misconduct, the Union Information and Broadcasting and Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur on Friday said that justice will be done as police will soon file a charge sheet and the governing body now has no authority in managing daily affairs of the sport.
Speaking at an economic conclave here, Thakur said that the case was registered and a committee was formed to investigate the matter.
The minister added that the WFI is not involved in any of its routine business as the day-to-day affairs are being looked after by a committee of administrators formed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The charge sheet will be filed soon and the wrestlers will get justice, he said. "Justice will be delivered in due time. There should be speedy justice in any crime committed against women," the minister added.
Thakur said that he had met the protesting wrestlers in January to hear their grievances and formed a committee to probe the matter. "We also added members recommended by wrestlers and probe was conducted which was handed over to the Delhi Police," he said. "We have listened to the wrestlers at all the steps and done everything they have asked us to do..." Thakur added. People should wait for the police investigation to be completed and a charge sheet is filed, the minister said.
"The wrestlers have been protesting for 38 days and we never had any issue with that as we want them to get justice. We don't want to take any side and should wait for the truth," Thakur said further.
On the question of morality, as the WFI chief belongs to the ruling BJP, the minister said, "The investigation is on, let that get over. We don't want to take any side and we are doing everything to ensure wrestlers get justice but that will only happen when the probe is complete. Let's wait till then."
—IANS

Amid ongoing protests by the country's top wrestlers, who are seeking action against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief 

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