Protesting Wrestlers Threaten Asian Games Boycott If Demands Not Met

New Delhi: Top Indian wrestlers are currently protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and a BJP MP, over allegations of sexual harassment. They have threatened to boycott the upcoming Asian Games unless their demands are met.

The wrestlers, including Olympic medalist Sakshee Malikkh and Bajrang Punia, held a meeting with Khap leaders in Sonipat, Haryana, to discuss their grievances. The wrestlers expressed their unity and stated that they will only participate in the Asian Games once their issues are resolved.

Union minister Anurag Thakur presented a written proposal to the wrestlers, promising an investigation into the WFI chief by June 15, but the demand for his arrest was not addressed.

The wrestlers have been protesting in Delhi for over two months, demanding the removal and arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Recently, a woman wrestler accompanied by women police officers was taken to Singh’s office for investigation.

However, wrestler Vinesh Phogat expressed disappointment over media reports suggesting a compromise, emphasizing the need for Singh’s arrest.

बृजभूषण की यही ताक़त है. वह अपने बाहुबल, राजनीतिक ताक़त और झूठे नैरेटिव चलवाकर महिला पहलवानों को परेशान करने में लगा हुआ है, इसलिए उसकी गिरफ़्तारी ज़रूरी है. पुलिस हमें तोड़ने की बजाए उसको गिरफ़्तार कर ले तो इंसाफ़ की उम्मीद हैं वरना नहीं।

महिला पहलवान पुलिस इन्वेस्टीगेशन के…

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) June 9, 2023

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has questioned over 180 people as part of the ongoing probe into the allegations.