PV Sindhu Welcomes #MeToo Movement; Encourages People to Step Out and Speak on Sexual Harassment
On being probed if she was aware of any such incident in her sport, the Hyderabadi said: "Well I don't know about seniors and coaches. As far as I am concerned, it's been fine and good for me."
New Delhi, October 10: Rio silver medallist P.V.Sindhu on Wednesday encouraged people from various walks of life to step out and speak on harassment while distancing herself from the comments of senior shuttler Jwala Gutta, who had alleged "mental harassment" by an unnamed coach. "I appreciate that people have come forward and spoken about it. I respect it," Sindhu said on the sidelines of a Vodafone event where the telecom giant launched a woman-specific service "Sakhi". #MeToo Movement Encourages Badminton Star Jwala Gutta to Speak Up On Mental Harassment.
On being probed if she was aware of any such incident in her sport, the Hyderabadi said: "Well I don't know about seniors and coaches. As far as I am concerned, it's been fine and good for me." Sindhu's comments came a day after 2010 Commonwealth Games women's doubles gold medallist Jwala, without taking any names, alleged mental harassment by a coach.
"Maybe I should talk about the mental harassment I had to go through. Since 2006, since this person became the chief ..threw me out of national team inspite of me being a national champion. The latest was when I returned from Rio, I am out of the national team again. one of the reasons I stopped playing!!" she wrote. #MeToo Movement Hits Cricket: Ex-Indian Air Hostess Accuses Former Sri Lankan Captain Arjuna Ranatunga of Sexual Harassment (Read Facebook Post).
"So when this person couldn't get through to me...he threatened my partners, harassed them...made sure to isolate me in every manner...even after Rio...the one who I was gonna play mixed (doubles) with was threatened..and I was just thrown out of the team," Jwala added.
Praising the features of the "Sakhi" service, Sindhu said: "It's a great initiative. I appreciate it. When we talk about women, they are scared to go out at night or work late in the night, or chase their dreams, in any way, it's a good thing that Vodafone Sakhi has come up with in any moment of emergency." "Now there have been a lot of changes in the country. We women should be brave enough, we can achieve our dreams and shouldn't be scared of anything," she added.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 11, 2018 10:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).