Coming down closely on the aggrieved wrestlers, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha on Thursday stated the grapplers lacked self-discipline as they hit the streets to renew their protest in opposition to WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as an alternative of approaching them.
Decorated wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik are the three central characters within the renewed protests in opposition to Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, who has been accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by the grapplers.
The IOA is but to finish its probe into the allegations whereas the government-formed oversight panel’s findings haven’t been made public as but.
Also Read: IOA Announces a Three-member Ad-hoc Committee to Run WFI
Frustrated with the three-month lengthy wait, the peeved wrestlers returned to Jantar Mantar to renew their agitation on April 23, and in addition approached the Supreme Court, demanding arrest of the WFI boss.
It is evident that the IOA has not preferred the wrestlers’ transfer.
“Our feeling is that for sexual harassment complaints, IOA has a committee and athletes’ fee. Instead of going to the road (once more), they need to have come to us, however they’ve by no means come to IOA,” Usha told reporters after the sports body’s executive committee meeting.
Asked if the IOA would reach out to the wrestlers since they are adamant that they would not leave the protest site until their demands are met, Usha shot back by saying, “Thoda toh discipline hona chahiye (there should be some discipline). Instead of coming to us they have gone straight to the streets. It’s not good for sport.”
Chaubey stated, “IOA President Dr. PT Usha want to say that this type of agitation shouldn’t be good for the nation’s picture. India has a superb repute globally. This unfavourable publicity shouldn’t be good for the nation.”
“We want to be with not just the wrestlers but with every athlete who has represented India, but under the rules and the law of the country.”
In a press launch, Usha added, “They are sitting on a dharna and asking all political events to hitch them, and that’s what disappoints me.”
Also Read: ‘Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Will Expose Protesting Wrestlers’ Lies Soon’, Says WFI Official
Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang said IOA president’s statement is shocking.
“She herself was an athlete and she is also a woman. We did not expect this harsh reaction from her, we expected support,” a flustered Bajrang informed PTI.
“If IOA thinks wrestlers demanding justice is tarnishing the picture of the nation, what was that when she broke down and defined her plight after being harassed by a number of goons at her academy. What had occurred then,” asked Bajrang.
The top wrestler was referring to Usha breaking down during a press conference in February this year when she spoke about harassment at her academy in Balussery, Kerala.
When Chaubey was asked if the wresters should have waited for the completion of the probe before hitting the streets, he said, “These are serious allegations, we can’t take a decision in haste. If we can have a little bit of patience and see what is coming out from these committees, then we will be able to comment, but right now, we just discussed day-to-day administration of WFI.”
The IOA joint secretary additionally confirmed that a number of witnesses are but to seem earlier than the panel.
“The investigation continues to be happening. We are informed that the committee has an inventory of witnesses and the committee will invite them and they’re going to face the fee,” Chaubey said.
Chaubey said the IOA, as instructed by the sports ministry, has formed a three-member ad-hoc panel to manage the affairs of the WFI and also conduct fresh polls within 45 days of the formation of the committee.
“Bhupendra Singh Bajwa will represent IOA executive council in the ad-hoc panel while Suma Shirur is a woman athlete and also a SOM (Sportsperson of Merit). They will be in charge of WFI’s day-to-day activities.
“We have also discussed (names) of judges and one of the retired high court judge will join these two members and it will become a three-member committee. The high court judge will guide the committee on legal things,” he added.
When reminded that the IOA structure doesn’t allow an ad-hoc panel working a nationwide sports activities federation (NSF), Chaubey stated, “There are exceptions on the earth. If IOA intervention might help a sport or sportsperson, that will probably be in curiosity of India as a nation.”
The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Friday. The Delhi Police had told the apex court that the matter requires a preliminary enquiry before they could proceed with the filing of an FIR against Brij Bhushan.
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