Wrestling
Wrestling fiasco: Potential involvement of 'industrialist' adds layers to the protest
The protest has now entered its third day, with no immediate solution in view. The protesting grapplers are sticking to their demands of removal of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, dissolution of the wrestling body and formation of a new committee to run its affairs. Understandably, these players, who have won laurels for the country, are getting support for their courage.
WFI chief to step aside till oversight committee investigates issue, says Anurag Thakur; wrestlers end protest
The meeting lasted beyond midnight, following which wrestler Bajrang Punia announced to the media that the other wrestlers are calling off the protest after assurance of action from Thakur against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The wrestlers have been staging a protest since Wednesday, accusing WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment of women wrestlers.
Four criminal cases pending against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
As per Singh's election affidavit, three of the cases against him are pending in Allahabad court and one in a Lucknow court. As per record, out of four pending cases, charges were framed against him in two cases and one of the cases includes charges of attempt to murder and under the Arms Act.
If needed we will take legal action against WFI, says protesting wrestler Bajrang Punia
Punia said, they "have only one demand which is to dissolve the federation" adding that the protesting wrestlers will go back to their homes if their demands are fulfilled by the government. "Still, many players are scared that there are many tournaments ahead, and what will happen to them. So, we have cancelled them. Hopefully, this information will reach to the young athletes through media," Punia added.
Politician shouldn't be allowed to occupy WFI chief's post: Mahavir Phogat
Mahavir's comments came a day after several wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, protested at the Jantar Mantar against the functioning of the WFI and its president. On Wednesday, Vinesh Phogat alleged that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and a few other coaches at national camps in Lucknow sexually harassed female wrestlers.
Protesting grapplers not satisfied with ministry's response, want wrestling body to be dissolved
"We not only want the resignation of WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan, we also demand the federation to be dissolved. If there is only resignation, then it will make its men sit again," he emphasised. The 28-year old Bajrang further said that "the whole hub of wrestling is sitting with us and everyone is fighting for their future.
DCW sends notice to Sports Ministry over sexual harassment allegations against WFI chief
"Olympian Wrestler Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who brought laurels to the country, are forced to protest today. They say that the WFI president and coaches sexually exploit the players. Issuing a notice to the Sports Ministry and the Police to investigate the matter," said DCW Chief Swati Maliwal.
Brij Bhushan was sexually harassing female wrestlers, I don't know if I will be alive tomorrow: Vinesh Phogat
The Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist broke down in tears while speaking to the reporters as more than 30 wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, were staging a protest, here at Jantar Mantar. Vinesh said she was subject to mental harassment by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, adding she had contemplated suicide.
Akanksha Vyavahare creates Weightlifting National records in 40kg category at Khelo India tournament
The weightlifter, also a part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, has created the NRs in all 3 scores - Snatch, Clean & Jerk and Total. Akanksha bettered her existing Snatch national record, by lifting 60kg. She recorded 71kg in the Clean & Jerk, and on the process, registering a total lift of 131kg. She competed in the 40kg Youth Girls' category.
Performance at World Wrestling Championships wasn't up to the mark, admits WFI official
For the records, last year, India had two medals and one of them was a silver. The expectations were high following a sensational performance by the wrestlers at the 2022 CWG, but the level of competition was much higher at the Worlds and the Indian grapplers were seen struggling in the ring.
Advertisement