Probing allegations against Brij Bhushan, in January, Govt had flagged the need for federations to comply with PoSH guidelines

While it noted that “most bodies have the necessary structures in place,” the letter called on sports federations to “re-examine their structures and policies” and make necessary changes to comply with the requirements of the PoSH law.

In fact, a functional ICC is one of the key conditions set up by the Ministry to grant annual recognition to the federations. Yet, as the investigation by The Indian Express shows, many are falling short.

The task is cut out, says Adille Sumariwalla, president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the body with the largest membership and the highest women participation. While he declined to comment on the wrestlers’ allegations, he spoke to The Indian Express on how a functional ICC is “one of the most important things.”

“Not just having a committee, but also creating awareness for it. We have mechanisms in place right from U-14 categories and not just at senior levels,” he told The Indian Express in an interview.

Key to the process is awareness, he said. “Athletes don’t come to the office so putting this up on the office notice board doesn’t make sense. We have the details of the committee on our website and secondly, we organise awareness programmes at tournaments,” said Sumariwalla.

For example, at a recent inter-district tournament, 6,500 athletes took part and including parents, there were 10,000 people. “Three or four members of the committee were present there and held seminars for three days, educating junior athletes. And, wherever I go, I make it a point to talk about this along with anti-doping.”