Jr wrestlers put harassment behind, return with medals

At a time when Indian women's wrestling is under a cloud, the girls' wrestling team returned from a successful outing at the Junior Asian Wrestling Championship in Kazakhstan on Sunday, winning two golds, a silver and five bronze medals.

The junior team had complained of sexual harassment against a coach during training before leaving for the competition, with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) instituting a committee to look into the matter. SAI director general Desh Deepak Verma said the issue will be resolved soon.

"The team has returned only tonight, so the probe will get underway only now. At this moment, we are not sure of the veracity of the complaint but we are not taking the matter lightly. If the complaint is found to be true, strict action will be taken against the guilty. However, if the complaint and the story is found to be planted without basis, action will also be taken against those who did it," Verma said.

While Indu Chaudhary of Uttar Pradesh and Sakshi Malik of Haryana won gold in the 44kg and 63kg weight categories respectively, Pooja Danda of Haryana bagged silver in the 59kg. Lalita (Haryana; 51kg), Ritu Malik (Haryana; 55kg), Seema (Haryana; 67kg), Ruby Chaudhary (48kg) and Kiran (Haryana; 72kg) won bronze.

"This is my first medal at the international level and is a huge confidence booster for me," Indu said.

ALSO READ

Archana’s ‘golden’ return adds colour to National Sports Day revelry

‘Will make full use of training’

More attention needed at grassroots level: Nassiri

Sourabh to face Taufik in final