Wrestlers Protest Highlights: India's top wrestlers, including Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia and world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat, staged a protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Wednesday and have continued their protests on Thursday. The wrestlers were protesting against the "dictatorship" of national federation President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Bajrang, Vinesh, Rio Olympics medallist Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha, and CWG medallist Sumit Malik were among 30 wrestlers who assembled at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday (January 18) and have been joined by several other wrestlers.
The wrestlers, who have accused the WFI President of sexual exploitation and intimidation, continued their dharna for the second day as more grapplers joined them in what they called a fight to give "a new life to Indian wrestling."
"Yesterday, we had 1-2 victims amongst us but now we have 5-6 wrestlers, who were harassed (sexually). We can't name them now, after all, they are daughters and sisters of somebody. But if we are forced to disclose their identity, it will be a black day," said Vinesh, the two-time World Championship medallist.
On the other hand, IOA president PT Usha has asked the wrestlers to come forward and address their concerns.
"As IOA President, I've been discussing the current matter of wrestlers with the members and for all of us the welfare and well being of the athletes is the top most priority of IOA. We request athletes to come forward and voice their concerns with us," PT Usha stated.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) said that the wrestlers can approach it with their complaints.
You can follow all the updates regarding the Wrestlers Protest against WFI LIVE on India TV.
