Wrestlers’ Tears and Fury: Medals Set for ‘Immersion’ in Ganga

New Delhi: Ace wrestlers from the country have resorted to a unique form of protest in Haridwar, announcing their decision to consign their Olympic and Commonwealth Games medals to the holy Ganga River. The wrestlers allege that their concerns regarding wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh have been overlooked, prompting this emotional gesture. This move comes shortly after a controversial crackdown by the Delhi Police, which has left the nation in shock.

Wrestlers Announce Decision to Consign Medals in Ganga:

In a heartfelt message, the wrestlers expressed their disappointment with the wrestling federation chief and declared their intention to immerse their hard-earned medals in the Ganga River. They voiced their frustration, stating that the medals no longer hold significance due to the treatment they have received from the authorities.

Wrestlers Speak Out Against Harassment:

Prominent athletes such as Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat conveyed their discontent through a statement posted on social media. The wrestlers accused the police and the system of treating them as criminals, while their alleged harasser enjoys impunity during public gatherings.

Wrestlers Questioned Lack of Support:

In their message, the wrestlers expressed their disappointment in the President, who remained silent despite witnessing the events unfold just a short distance away. The protesters wondered to whom they should return their medals, as the very person responsible for their grievances was present at the inauguration of the new parliament.

Hunger Strike Planned at India Gate:

The wrestlers declared their commitment to a hunger strike until death at India Gate following the symbolic immersion of their medals. They expressed that without their cherished medals, life would lose its meaning.

UP Police to Allow Medal Immersion:

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) police have confirmed that they will not obstruct the wrestlers’ plan to consign their medals to the Ganga River.

Protest Denied at India Gate:

The Delhi Police, who previously closed the Jantar Mantar protest site to the wrestlers after the clash on Sunday, announced that they would not permit a protest at India Gate.

Delhi Police Accuse Wrestlers of Rioting:

The Delhi Police accused the protesting wrestlers of engaging in riotous behaviour on the day of the clash, claiming that despite repeated warnings, they broke the law in a frenzy.

Outrage Over Police Handling of Protest:

Videos capturing the Delhi Police manhandling and pinning down champion wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sangeeta Phogat during the protest sparked widespread shock and indignation throughout the nation.

Accused Wrestling Federation Chief Present During Crackdown:

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP accused of sexual harassment by some top wrestlers, was present at the inauguration of the new parliament while the police carried out their crackdown just a few kilometres away. He denied any wrongdoing but expressed willingness to step down if requested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP.

Allegations of Police Brutality:

Earlier this month, the wrestlers had alleged that in a separate incident, inebriated Delhi Police personnel assaulted them and used derogatory language towards the women wrestlers when they attempted to bring in mattresses for a rainy day. These allegations were denied by the police.

The decision of the wrestlers to symbolically immerse their medals in the Ganga River represents their collective frustration with the wrestling federation chief and the treatment they have endured. The Delhi Police crackdown and subsequent controversies have fueled outrage across the country, shedding light on the ongoing struggle faced by athletes. The symbolic act is intended to draw attention to their cause and the need for reform within the sporting