One of the key witnesses in the sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, wrestler Anita Sheoran, is in the fray to succeed the BJP MP as the Wrestling Federation of India. Anita, the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games gold medallist, filed her candidature on Monday, the last day for filing nominations for the August 12 elections.

Anita, the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games gold medallist, filed her candidature on Monday, the last day for filing nominations for the August 12 elections. In case she wins, she will be the first woman to head an ancient India sport whose roots can be traced to all-male akhadas. While the turn of century saw Indian women make a mark internationally, the decision-makers have always been males. 

Even for this watershed WFI elections, Anita is the lone woman in the 50-member voters’ and candidates list. The 38-year-old is likely to be up against two from Brij Bhushan’s panel: Olympian Jai Prakash, the president of the Delhi wrestling association, and Sanjay Singh Bhola of Uttar Pradesh.

Both these candidates have had a long association with Brij Bhushan, who is accused of sexual harassment by six women wrestlers. The case against the former WFI chief is being heard by a Delhi court, which granted him bail about a week ago.

On Monday, the Brij Bhushan camp had a meeting in the capital and claimed that they have the support of at least 20 out of the 25 state units.

“We are confident of doing well. In the next few days, we will finalise who will be the final candidate for the post but regardless, our choice will be unanimous,” said Jai Prakash.