Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said on Thursday that he would meet with the protesting wrestlers as soon as he returns to Delhi and promised appropriate action. Several wrestlers, including Olympians, have alleged that WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh sexually harassed female wrestlers.
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In Short
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur likely to meet wrestlers at his residence
Wrestlers' protest against WFI president Brij Bhushan entered 2nd day
WFI president likely to step down from role on Sunday
By LAKSHY DREAM FOUNDATION GLOBAL NEWS Web Desk: Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday, assured he would return to New Delhi and meet the protesting wrestlers, adding that he understands the allegations against the Wrestling Federation of India and its president are 'serious' in nature. Anurag Thakur was in Hamirpur for a government program even as wrestlers continued their protest against the wrestling federation for the second successive day in New Delhi.
Several wrestlers, including Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Kumar Dahiya, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, protested against the WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) sexually harassed and intimidated female wrestlers. Vinesh Phogat, who broke down while addressing the media on Thursday, alleged that a few coaches had sexually harassed female wrestlers during national camps in Lucknow.
The protesting wrestlers said they would intensify their protests until their demands were met, adding that they wanted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to step down and the WFI to be dissolved along with several state associations.
Notably, the Sports Ministry sought an explanation from the WFI, saying it would initiate action if there is no response within 72 hours.
"I will meet the players after returning to Delhi. The allegations are very serious. We (Sports Ministry) will take whatever action that is needed," Anurag Thakur said on Thursday.
The meeting is likely to be held at the residence of the Sports Minister.
https://amzn.to/3WsHT62WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh denied all allegations, saying he would hang himself if the claims against him are proven.
3-time CWG medallist and BJP leader Babita Phogat came to the protest site with a "message" from the government and assured the grapplers that their demands will be met as the athletes took turn to share their bad experiences.
A team of wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Anshu, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan, was then called for a meeting with the government as they discussed their issues with Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Director General SAI Sandip Pradhan and Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal.
However, the wrestlers said their meeting with the Sports Ministry was unsatisfactory.
During the one-hour meeting, the wrestlers were asked to end their protest and assured that their grievances will be addressed.
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Notably, the WFI has called for an Emergency General Council Meeting in Ayodhya to discuss the issue.
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It may be noted that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's third term as WFI President is ending soon and he is ineligible to contest again. He was elected WFI President for the third time in February 2019, according to news agency PTI.
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