Bajrang Punia Alleges Wrestlers Were Denied Entry to IPL Match; Delhi Police Refutes Claim

New Delhi:A group of wrestlers staged a protest outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital, Delhi, on Saturday. The wrestlers, led by Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, held a joint press conference alleging that they were denied entry to an IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) despite having purchased tickets. Punia expressed his frustration, stating that they wanted an explanation for being prevented from attending the match.

Accompanying Punia were fellow wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, who have been protesting against the Chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment.

In response to the wrestlers’ claims, the Delhi Police disputed their allegations, calling them “misleading.” According to an official statement, individuals with valid tickets or passes were granted entry through their designated gates, and no one was denied access based on ticket status.

The police clarified that approximately 10 to 12 wrestlers and other individuals arrived at the stadium to watch the match, but only five of them possessed valid tickets. Those without tickets or passes were understandably not allowed to enter, as per the account of a senior police official.

Notably, the wrestlers also hinted at a forthcoming “big decision” that might not be favourable for the country. This news came ahead of a scheduled farmers’ meeting at Jantar Mantar, with increased security measures implemented in the area and at Delhi’s borders.