Wrestlers meet Thakur as countdown begins for WFI chief

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: In a late-night drama, high wrestlers met sports activities minister Anurag Thakur over dinner at his residence on Thursday. Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, and World Championships medallists Vinesh Phogat and Anshu Malik have been among the many wrestlers who went to satisfy the minister. It is known that the ministry desires to offer the protest towards Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh a logical ending earlier than the third day. The wrestlers have been demanding not simply the WFI chief’s elimination however disbanding of the federation and its affiliated state items.

Though there have been experiences that the WFI chief had been requested to step down, however till late on Thursday there was no official affirmation. The day too witnessed its share of drama. Passion was working excessive as extra wrestlers joined the protest. ‘Jai Mata Di’ chants may very well be heard every so often. Top wrestlers of the nation have been joined by different illustrious teammates Deepak Punia, Ravi Dahiya, and even coaches Mahavir Singh Phogat and Satpal Singh. Junior wrestlers, youth-level wrestlers, former wrestlers, officers from state federations have been current to indicate solidarity. The pleasure was palpable. There have been indicators of hysteria as properly, particularly when Vinesh, Bajrang, Sakshi and her husband Satyawart Kadian returned from their assembly with the federal government.

Multiple Commonwealth Games medallist Babita Phogat, who can also be a BJP member, has been despatched by the federal government for mediation and discussions occurred between the stakeholders. However, the assembly between sports activities secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Director General SAI Sandip Pradhan and joint secretary (sports activities) Kunal didn’t go as per the wrestlers’ liking.

They appear considerably dissatisfied with the result of the assembly, during which they have been requested to finish their protest and the ministry has given assurance to deal with their grievances. However, the wrestlers weren’t glad and have threatened that if no motion is taken towards Brij Bhushan, then they’ll even file an FIR. Vinesh, who had spoken about wrestlers dealing with sexual exploitation on Wednesday, mentioned if want be they’re keen to file a number of FIRs towards the WFI president. “We have more wrestlers now who have said they too faced such an ordeal,” mentioned Vinesh. Bajrang even mentioned that they didn’t need the WFI chief’s resignation alone. He mentioned they needed his elimination and the WFI disbanded.

“I have been associated with the sport for a long time. I watched the news on Wednesday and if the accusations are true, it is totally wrong. I came here to show my support. I’m not saying he’s guilty or something but until these allegations are there, the matter has to be properly investigated,” a former coach mentioned.

ALSO READ | SP, Cong demand WFI chief be sacked, FIR registered over sexual harassment allegations

NEW DELHI: In a late-night drama, high wrestlers met sports activities minister Anurag Thakur over dinner at his residence on Thursday. Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, and World Championships medallists Vinesh Phogat and Anshu Malik have been among the many wrestlers who went to satisfy the minister. It is known that the ministry desires to offer the protest towards Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh a logical ending earlier than the third day. The wrestlers have been demanding not simply the WFI chief’s elimination however disbanding of the federation and its affiliated state items.

Though there have been experiences that the WFI chief had been requested to step down, however till late on Thursday there was no official affirmation. The day too witnessed its share of drama. Passion was working excessive as extra wrestlers joined the protest. ‘Jai Mata Di’ chants may very well be heard every so often. Top wrestlers of the nation have been joined by different illustrious teammates Deepak Punia, Ravi Dahiya, and even coaches Mahavir Singh Phogat and Satpal Singh. Junior wrestlers, youth-level wrestlers, former wrestlers, officers from state federations have been current to indicate solidarity. The pleasure was palpable. There have been indicators of hysteria as properly, particularly when Vinesh, Bajrang, Sakshi and her husband Satyawart Kadian returned from their assembly with the federal government.

Multiple Commonwealth Games medallist Babita Phogat, who can also be a BJP member, has been despatched by the federal government for mediation and discussions occurred between the stakeholders. However, the assembly between sports activities secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Director General SAI Sandip Pradhan and joint secretary (sports activities) Kunal didn’t go as per the wrestlers’ liking.

They appear considerably dissatisfied with the result of the assembly, during which they have been requested to finish their protest and the ministry has given assurance to deal with their grievances. However, the wrestlers weren’t glad and have threatened that if no motion is taken towards Brij Bhushan, then they’ll even file an FIR. Vinesh, who had spoken about wrestlers dealing with sexual exploitation on Wednesday, mentioned if want be they’re keen to file a number of FIRs towards the WFI president. “We have more wrestlers now who have said they too faced such an ordeal,” mentioned Vinesh. Bajrang even mentioned that they didn’t need the WFI chief’s resignation alone. He mentioned they needed his elimination and the WFI disbanded.

“I have been associated with the sport for a long time. I watched the news on Wednesday and if the accusations are true, it is totally wrong. I came here to show my support. I’m not saying he’s guilty or something but until these allegations are there, the matter has to be properly investigated,” a former coach mentioned.

ALSO READ | SP, Cong demand WFI chief be sacked, FIR registered over sexual harassment allegations