In Short
- Neeraj Chopra said that he was hurt to see wrestlers protesting
- Chopra also asked for transparency into the matter
- The wrestlers have protested against the WFI president since January
By India Today Sports DeskOlympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has opened up on the never-ending tussle between the Indian wrestlers and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Since the month of January, wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia have been seeking justice after alleging the WFI president of sexually harassing players over the years.
The wrestlers have conducted multiple protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, asking for action against Brij Bhushan. Chopra, who won the gold medal in track field in the Tokyo Olympics back in 2021, called for an “impartial” probe into the matter.
Neeraj Chopra took to Twitter and wrote, “It hurts me to see our athletes on the streets demanding justice. They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud. As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not. What’s happening should never happen. This is a sensitive issue, and must be dealt with in an impartial and transparent manner. Pertaining authorities must take quick action in order to ensure that justice is served.”
Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik also said that the Delhi Police have been reluctant to lodge an FIR against the WFI president despite repeated requests. The wrestlers also moved to the Supreme Court, seeking an FIR.
Recently, legendary athlete PT Usha said that the wrestlers shouldn’t take to the streets to protest as it is hampering the reputation of the country.
“Wrestlers staging protests on the streets amounts to indiscipline. It is tarnishing the image of India,” Usha told the media.
Replying to Usha’s comments, Sakshi Malik said, “I respect PT Usha. She has inspired us. But I want to ask ma’am, women wrestlers have come forward, raised the issue of harassment. Can’t we protest as well?”
“In the IOA committee, we gave our statements. IOA committee members cried as well. They had assured action will be taken. No action has been taken,” Malik added.
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