As India’s leading wrestlers continue to protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual assault allegations, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur is set to meet them tonight at 10:00 PM IST and listen to their demands.
“Taking cognisance of allegations by wrestlers, Sports Ministry sent a notice to WFI & sought a reply within 72 hrs. The upcoming camp has also been postponed with immediate effect. I am going to Delhi and will meet the wrestlers.”
The wrestlers have accused the WFI president of sexual assault over their media interactions. Commonwealth gold medalist Vinesh Phogot was particularly emotional talking about her experience with the federations as the athlete had called for Bhushan to resign. On Thursday, India’s Wrestling heroes threatened to file an FIR and stated a resignation is not enough and the federation needs to be dissolved.
“A resignation is not enough. We want the federation to be dissolved. We want to shut this down. If he (Brij Bhushan) resigns, ultimately, his people will be put back in places of power,” said Tokyo olympics bronze medalist Punia.
“We now have five to six girls who have come forward with evidence. Atma samman (self-respect) is most important. If we are forced to bring the girls forward, it will be a disgrace for wrestling… If people like us can go through this, I can say with surety that no woman anywhere in India is safe. Women and daughters should just not be born in India,” Phogot added.
We have only been given assurance, but we are not satisfied. We want the whole federation ended,” said Rio Olympics medalist Saakshi.
On Wednesday night, the Sports Ministry sent a notice to WFI and gave them 72 hours to respond.
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