New Delhi:
If allegations of sexual harassment in hockey weren't enough, former Olympic bronze medalist Karnam Malleshwari has now set the cat among the pigeons. She said on Thursday that women athletes in India are subject to sexual harassment not just by coaches, but also by federation officials.
A few cases of sexual harassment in Indian sports:A woman boxer in Hyderabad commits suicide last year leaving behind a note saying she was being harassed by her male coach.
Women cricketers in Andhra allege that a BCCI official V Chamundeshwarnath demanded sexual favours in return for the girls being picked in the team.
And one written complaint from a member of the Indian women's hockey team has cost MK Kaushik his job. The accusation that he uses sexual and vulgar language - a charge that he doesn't completely deny.
Without any proof it's often hard to prove these allegations but former Olympic bronze medalist Karnam Malleshwari says the sexual overtones have always existed even though she has not faced the situation herself.
"Sexual harassment definitely exists, and it's not just the coaches but also the federation officials," says Karnam Malleshwari, Olympic bronze medallist.
Sonika Kalliraman, a wrestler turned model who's also been in a reality TV show says she's also been the victim of sexual advances. But she says the problem is far more of corrupt federation officials who demand favours from men and women for inclusion in the team.
"The federation president told me that I will never pick you. They wanted Rs 50,000 from me. I am not scared of anybody, which is why I will never give in to anybody," says Sonika.