Wrestlers’ protest: BJP strongman and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh is in the limelight for allegedly sexually harassing national level grapplers. Even as fresh protests broke out followed by a sit-in by India’s grapplers demanding action, the BJP MP on Thursday very tactfully released a personalised video.
“Friends, the day I introspect on what I gained or lost, and feel that I no longer have the strength to fight; the day I feel helpless, I would wish death as I won’t be living a life like that. Instead of living such a life, I would wish that death takes me in its embrace,” Brij Bhushan said in the video.
Wrestlers continue protest
Meanwhile, star Indian wrestlers such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, among others continued their protest against the WFI chief, accusing him of sexual harassment and mistreatment of athletes. Over the last four days, the wrestlers have slept and trained at the protest site, near the Jantar Mantar in the national capital.
On Thursday, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha tried to assuage pent up feelings when she said the wrestlers should have approached the body earlier instead of taking to the streets against the WFI president.
PT Usha’s comment ‘insensitive’
“Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has a committee to deal with complaints of sexual harassment. Instead of taking to the streets, they (the protesting wrestlers) could have come to us earlier. But they did not. This isn’t good for our sports. They should have shown some discipline,” Usha told reporters. However, the IOA chief’s statement drew flak from the protesting wrestlers, who dubbed it “insensitive.”
Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sakshi Malik said, “Being a woman athlete, she (PT Usha) is not listening to other women athletes. We have followed her since childhood and were inspired by her. Where is the indiscipline here? We are holding a peaceful protest.”
Vinesh Phogat, the CWG and World Championship medalist, echoed Sakshi’s comment.
Meanwhile, Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra joined issues with the wrestlers with a tweet on Wednesday.
Abhinav Bindra comes out in support
He tweeted: “As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration.”
“My heart goes out to all those who have been affected. We must ensure that this issue is handled properly, with the athletes’ concerns heard and addressed fairly and independently. This incident highlights the crucial need for a proper safeguarding mechanism that can prevent harassment and ensure justice for those affected. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all athletes to thrive in,” he added.
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