A complaint was lodged in mid-January against a senior official of the Japan Wrestling Federation for allegedly harassing four-time Olympic gold medalist Kaori Icho, it has been learned.
The complaint against Kazuhito Sakae, the 57-year-old national team director for the women's teams, was submitted to the Cabinet Office's Public Interest Commission, which oversees the wrestling federation -- a public interest corporation.
Sakae and the federation have denied the allegation.
A lawyer submitted the complaint, dated Jan. 18. It compiles the accounts of two former athletes.
Sakae banned Icho from using a training facility and also prevented her, when she wanted to be involved in the men's training, from participating, according to the complaint. It also alleges he pressured Icho's coach, who is in charge of the men's team training, to stop working with her.
"I have given commonsense training," Sakae said.
The federation also released a statement saying it had never unduly obstructed or limited Icho's training. It also denied unfairly pressuring her coach.
Meanwhile, Icho, 33, said in a statement, "I am not involved in the lodged complaint at all." But she added, "If there is a formal inquiry from a proper organization, I would like to consider explaining the matter."
The commission has confirmed it received the complaint. It plans to look into the matter.
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Friday the federation intends to question Icho and Sakae as soon as early next week.
"It has been reported to me that the federation had never unfairly obstructed or limited [Icho's] training," Hayashi said at a press conference on Friday. "I'd like to keep an eye on the federation's next response."
Last October, Icho was awarded the People's Honor Award after winning gold medals at four straight Olympics.
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