Anybody with even the poorest knowledge of sports governing bodies in India knows what happens when an athlete complains about the chief of their discipline. They get sidelined totally. And no matter how good they might be at their sport, they are ruthlessly dropped from the team when names are being drawn up for the next international competition. Worse, the nepotic backdoor often opens to allow an incompetent, inexperienced favored relative of the chief to go in their place.
I would have thought P. T. Usha, recalling her own days of struggle as an Indian athlete competing on the world stage, would have known this. But clearly, her status as a Rajya Sabha MP and President of the Indian Olympic Association has blindsided her to the truth of the protest being played out at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Seven women wrestlers of international repute are waiting for action to be taken against the Wrestling Federation of India chief whom they accuse of sexual harassment.
Usha, who I now liken to a subservient, jaundiced, and apathetic Babu in government service, instead of empathetically supporting them as a woman first, then a legend in Indian athletics, and finally as the head of our most prestigious international sports governing body, has insensitively dismissed their protest as one that’s “not good for sports” and which has “tarnished the image of the country”. Further, Usha describes the protesting Olympian wrestlers as a “group without discipline”.
I wish these women wrestlers, all hard-as-nails, gritty fighters, had dealt with their sexually rapacious chief the same way they take down opponents in competition. By beating the lust out of him. And not expecting the government, police, and court to salvage their pride by arresting him. The country’s image was already tarnished when they were being sexually harassed. But this is us. And Usha, sad to say, it seems is now running a race to keep her post and political ambition.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have been featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
About Storyofsouls
Leave your comments on how did you like this story. If you love it, share it to bring that change we wish to see in the world.
You can also share your inspiring story with us at replytosos@gmail.com. Story Of Souls is an initiative where we invite people to bring their stories to us. We want people to “write to heal.” The idea of Storyofsouls is appreciated by ALL INDIA RADIO. An Online Platform where you can share your real-life stories. The impact of our stories has reached the UN and Harvard University. For some real-life stories, web series are also planned. You can also visit our Youtube channel. You can follow us on Facebook LinkedIn Instagram
Storyofsouls is glad to inform you that we are now a Google news-verified platform.
We are proud to inform you all that Storyofsouls.com is the official TedX MotiJheel Kanpur Partner for their upcoming event.
