Wrestlers Protest: Ace wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malikkh alleged that athletes are going through mental torture for past 3 months hoping for justice.
They launched a protest against the Wrestlers Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Singh in January and returned on Sunday again with demands of strict action against the accused this time.
Talking to media person at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Sunday, wrestler Vinesh Phogat said, “We have been going through mental torture, it’s about the respect of women athletes… These are the women who bring Olympic medals at internation levels. If they are not safe then, who can say anthing about the future of other girls.”
No Response From Sports Ministry
On being asked about any interaction with the Sport Ministry as assured by the latter, Phogat informed that they are not receiving any response from them and it has been 3 months now.
Phogat said they are here to seek justice from public and the judiciary and they will continue their protest at Jantar Mantar as they will eat and sleep here only to stay as much as they could.
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Protest’s Motive Is Not Publicity: Sakshi Malikkh As She Breaks Down
Meanwhile, Sakshi Malikkh mentioned that there are words in public that the top wrestlers are protesting to gain attention as “they are finished already.” Dismissing these allegations, she recalled the recent games where the wrestlers made the nation proud.
Earlier in January, wrestlers demanded to dissolve the current committee alleging that they all are corrupt and have bad intentions towards female athletes and coaches. After which, an enquiry was launched and a committee was constitued to look into the matter.
The committe carried out its investigation and submitted the report. As of now, the wrestlers said the findings of the enquiry should be made public or at least the athletes should know what is in the report.
Allegations
The case pertains to sexual harassment allegations against the WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh. Apart from that, the wrestlers have alleged that “WFI knows nothing about the Wrestling” and all athletes have to struggle for basic help and facilities.
