Hundreds Of Junior Wrestlers Storm Jantar Mantar, Accuse Bajrang, Sakshi & Vinesh of Sabotaging Careers

New Delhi: In a stunning turn of events, hundreds of junior wrestlers stormed Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, accusing wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat of jeopardizing their careers. Chanting slogans and brandishing banners, the protestors, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, blamed the ongoing national camp and competition suspension on the actions of the decorated trio.

Hailing from Arya Samaj Akhara in Chhaprauli, Baghpat, and Virender Wrestling Academy in Narela, these junior wrestlers, still arriving in buses, plan to join the protest en masse. The security personnel struggled to control the demonstrators as they vociferously criticized Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, carrying banners that read: ‘UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers.’

Interestingly, a year ago at the same site, the top three wrestlers had garnered immense support when they accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, leading to widespread backing from various groups.

However, the tables have turned, and the trio now faces substantial protests within their community. The protesters at Jantar Mantar accuse them of jeopardizing their careers. Since January 2023, national wrestling activities have been on hold due to the WFI’s two suspensions, with an ad-hoc panel currently overseeing the sport.

The demonstrators are demanding the restoration of the suspended WFI by disbanding the ad-hoc panel appointed by the sports ministry to run the sport.

The wrestling community, once united, now finds itself divided, with junior wrestlers expressing their discontent at this landmark protest site.