NEW DELHI: Hundreds of junior wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to voice their protest against the loss of a crucial year in their wrestling careers in a surprising turn of events.
The junior wrestlers, hailing from various parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, expressed their discontent, attributing the setback to top wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat.
Arriving in buses from different wrestling academies, particularly Arya Samaj Akhara in Chhaprauli, Baghpat, and Virender Wrestling Academy in Narela, close to 300 protesters raised slogans against Punia, Malik, and Phogat. Banners held by the demonstrators conveyed the message: ‘UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers,’ highlighting their dissatisfaction with the top athletes.
The protest marked a significant shift from almost a year ago when Punia, Malik, and Phogat had garnered widespread support at the same location. At that time, the trio had accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, leading to massive support from various sections of society.
However, the current protest centers around the discontent among junior wrestlers who believe that Punia, Malik, and Phogat are responsible for their halted training and competitions.
The junior wrestlers, hailing from various parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, expressed their discontent, attributing the setback to top wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat.
Arriving in buses from different wrestling academies, particularly Arya Samaj Akhara in Chhaprauli, Baghpat, and Virender Wrestling Academy in Narela, close to 300 protesters raised slogans against Punia, Malik, and Phogat. Banners held by the demonstrators conveyed the message: ‘UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers,’ highlighting their dissatisfaction with the top athletes.
The protest marked a significant shift from almost a year ago when Punia, Malik, and Phogat had garnered widespread support at the same location. At that time, the trio had accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, leading to massive support from various sections of society.
However, the current protest centers around the discontent among junior wrestlers who believe that Punia, Malik, and Phogat are responsible for their halted training and competitions.
Rahul Gandhi interacts with wrestler Bajrang Punia at Virender Arya Akhara in Jhajjar
Since January 2023, national camps and competitions have been suspended due to the WFI’s two-time suspension, with an ad-hoc panel currently overseeing the sport.
The protesters at Jantar Mantar demanded the restoration of the suspended WFI and the disbandment of the ad-hoc panel appointed by the sports ministry to manage wrestling affairs.
The unexpected protest reflects the internal turmoil within the wrestling community and raises questions about the future of the sport in India.
Controversy and Suspensions: Wrestling Federation of India Faces Turmoil as Sports Ministry Acts
(With inputs from PTI)