Opposing wrestlers: Amidst the protest, an important meeting with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and the agitating wrestlers was held at his official residence in Delhi. Earlier today, while talking to media persons, Thakur said that the ministry has already taken cognizance and sent a notice to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
According to him, the ministry has asked the federation to respond within 72 hours. “The upcoming camp has also been postponed with immediate effect. I am going to Delhi and will meet the wrestlers,” the Union Sports Minister said in Chandigarh.
“The allegations leveled by the wrestlers are of serious nature. Taking prompt action, the Government of India sent a notice to the WFI and sought a response within 72 hours. I will try to meet the wrestlers after reaching Delhi. We will speak to them and listen to them ” ,” They said.
WFI president may resign after sexual harassment allegations
An explosive revelation made by Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday has sent shockwaves across the Indian sports community. Phogat accused Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually abusing female wrestlers for many years. Wrestling legends like Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Anshu Malik joined them at Jantar Mantar and this is the second day of their protest. The WFI president, who is also a BJP MP, rejected all the allegations leveled against him.
This is the second consecutive day of their protest and they attended a press conference to address the media regarding their demands. The wrestlers are also demanding an end to the dictatorship prevailing in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). In view of the matter, some members of the Sports Ministry decided to meet the 4 wrestlers and after an hour-long meeting, it is now being said that the WFI President may resign from his post. Vinesh Phogat has been at loggerheads with the Wrestling Federation of India ever since the Tokyo Olympic Games. Phogat said that many coaches exploited women in the national camp in Lucknow. Vinesh further clarified that she never faced such exploitation.
Top players join protest
Top Indian wrestlers, including three-time CWG champion Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medalist pair of Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, staged a sit-in at Jantar Mantar for the second day directly against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Who has been accused of sexual abuse. Former wrestler Babita reached the dharna and listened to the demands of the wrestlers. Bajrang, Vinesh, Rio Olympics medalist Sakshi Malik, World Championship medalist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha and Commonwealth Games medalist Sumit Malik were among the 30 wrestlers who on Wednesday (January 18) will be at Jantar- Several other wrestlers assembled on the mantar and joined in.