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Union Sports activities Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday assured protesting wrestlers that stern motion can be taken if any Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) coach or official is discovered responsible, sources advised NDTV. Thakur met with the wrestlers together with Babita Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia amongst others after their second day of protest on the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over allegations of sexual misconduct by WFI coaches and its president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Within the meet, that began round 10 pm on Thursday night time, the protesting wrestlers demanded the resignation of Brij Bhushan and the disbanding of the wrestling physique, in line with sources. Nonetheless, Thakur advised them to attend for an official reply from the WFI that the sports activities ministry had sought on Wednesday, the sources added. However, the wrestlers usually are not able to settle at something lower than resignation of the WFI president. The assembly went on for near 4 hours. There’s a chance that the events would possibly meet once more on Friday.
The centre, in a press release on Wednesday, had made it clear that if the WFI doesn’t reply within the subsequent three days, the sports activities ministry “will proceed to provoke motion in opposition to the federation when it comes to the provisions of the Nationwide Sports activities Improvement Code, 2011.”
Earlier, Vinesh Phogat, the primary Indian girl wrestler to win gold in each Commonwealth Video games and the Asian Video games, mentioned that they haven’t obtained any ‘passable response’ from the federal government.
“Sadly we didn’t get a passable response. Yesterday, we had 1-2 victims amongst us however now we’ve 5-6 wrestlers, who have been harassed (sexually). We won’t title them now, in spite of everything they’re daughters and sisters of any individual. But when we’re pressured to reveal their id, it will likely be a black day,” mentioned Vinesh, a two-time World Championship medallist, on Thursday afternoon whereas talking to the media.
“It is not nearly his (Brij Bhushan) resignation. We’ll ship him to jail. We didn’t need to take the authorized route, as a result of we had hoped for decision but when a correct answer will not be supplied, we’ll lodge FIRs in opposition to the President. We’re World Championship and Olympic medallists, do not suspect us, we’re telling the reality, imagine us.”
Vinesh Phogat had beforehand alleged that coaches who’re favourites of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) misbehave with ladies wrestlers and harass them. She additionally accused the WFI chief Brij Bhushan of sexually exploiting ladies athletes and calling her a ‘khota sikka’ after her defeat on the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Singh has denied the allegations.
WFI Government Meet
Additionally, a gathering of the Government Committee and the Annual Basic Assembly (AGM) of the WFI is slated to be held on January 22 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh and its chief Brij Bhushan will take part.
Olympian wrestler Bajrang Punia mentioned: “5 to 6 ladies wrestlers are right here with us who’ve confronted these atrocities and we’ve proof to show it.” Earlier, a few of the ace wrestlers went to workplace of Union Sports activities Ministry in Shashtri Bhawan for a gathering with ministry officers. Nonetheless, they remained unhappy.
Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik mentioned, “Authorities didn’t promise any motion, they’ve solely given assurance and we’re not proud of the response, we request PM sir to make sure justice.”
Former wrestler and Haryana BJP chief Babita Phogat reached the protest web site on Thursday to satisfy the wrestlers as a mediator from the federal government and guaranteed the grapplers that their calls for can be met. “I’ve assured them that the federal government is with them. I’ll attempt that their points are resolved right now,” Babita mentioned.
“Babita Phogat has come from the federal government’s aspect for mediation. We’ll communicate together with her after which give extra particulars,” wrestler Bajrang Punia mentioned.
With PTI and ANI inputs
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