The wrestling crisis in India took a new turn as hundreds of junior wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest the loss of a crucial year in their careers, attributing this setback to top grapplers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat.
Arriving from various regions like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, around 300 junior wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar, catching the police off guard. They hailed from Akharas in Chhaprauli, Baghpat, and the Virender Wrestling Academy in Narela, raising slogans against Punia, Malik, and Phogat and displaying banners urging the 'UWW to save wrestling from these 3 wrestlers.'
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had planned the Under 15 and Under 20 Nationals in Gonda, UP, following the election of new office-bearers. However, the ministry's suspension of the body led to the cancellation of the tournament, robbing several wrestlers of the chance to compete in the junior categories for the final time.
Muzaffarnagar stadium coach Pradeep Kumar highlighted the widespread support for the protest among Akharas in UP and criticized the top wrestlers for allegedly neglecting national awards and prioritizing personal agendas over wrestlers' careers.
Ironically, the same site had witnessed immense support for Punia, Malik, and Phogat a year ago when they rallied against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.
However, the current scenario paints a contrasting picture, with the wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar accusing the trio of damaging their careers. National camps and competitions have been on hold since January 2023 due to WFI suspensions, leaving junior wrestlers with a year of stagnation in their pursuits.
Vivek Malik from Arya Samaj Akhara emphasized that the suspended WFI should be reinstated, questioning the suspension's necessity, especially after the body's attempts to schedule events for the wrestlers' welfare.
The protesters demanded the revocation of the ad-hoc panel appointed by the sports ministry and the reinstatement of the suspended WFI. The demonstration also included defacing and trampling placards bearing images of Punia, Malik, and Phogat as a sign of dissent.
(With Agency Inputs)
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