CNN —
Several leading Indian wrestlers are calling for an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) amid a days-long protest in New Delhi.
The wrestlers are also demanding the president be fired and the WFI dissolved.
In a letter to the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and shared on Twitterfive wrestlers say that “several young wrestlers” have made serious “sexual harassment” complaints against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The wrestlers have been protesting in the Indian capital New Delhi over the past three days and have attended several meetings with senior government officials.
Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat, along with four others, have said they are speaking on behalf of the accusers to protect their identities and have not released details about the young wrestlers’ allegations.
In the letter, Phogat herself says she was “mentally harassed and tortured by the WFI President” and “nearly contemplated suicide” due to the pressure she was under.
CNN reached out to WFI for comment and Vinod Tomar, the association’s deputy secretary, denied all allegations.
“An investigation is ongoing,” Tomar added. “These are just claims that have yet to be proven.”
CNN also reached out to the WFI president, and his office declined to comment at the time.
The association also postponed a press conference planned for Friday.
Meanwhile, the President of the IOA expresses her support for the protesting wrestlers. PT Uscha tweeted on Thursday that the well-being of the athletes has the highest priority.
“We ask that athletes come forward and share their concerns with us. We will ensure a full investigation to ensure justice,” she added.
In the letter, Phogat and her fellow wrestlers say “it took a lot of courage for the wrestlers to come together” and filed their grievances against Singh, who is a member of India’s parliament of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
“We fear for our lives,” they added.
Phogat, the first Indian wrestler to win gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, tweeted on Wednesday“The players want self-respect,” he added, “if the association doesn’t support them, morale will collapse.”
India’s Sports Ministry has asked the WFI to respond to the allegations within 72 hours, Indian Sports Minister Anurag Thakur told local reporters on Thursday.
in one statement on TwitterPolitician Babita Kumari Phogat, a former wrestler and three-time Commonwealth Games medalist, said she stands by her fellow wrestlers.
“I am with my players in this fight. I have full confidence in the government to do justice to the country’s athletes, who enhance the country’s honor in the world,” she said.