Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra on April 28 prolonged his support to the protesting wrestlers and known as for “quick action” from the authorities so as to be certain that justice is served.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra on April 28 prolonged his support to the protesting wrestlers and known as for “quick action” from the authorities so as to be certain that justice is served.
Chopra expressed his disappointment a day after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha got here down closely on the wrestlers for hitting the streets to resume their protests as a substitute of approaching its athletes’ fee to lodge their complaints towards the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment and intimidation.
Ace javelin thrower Chopra, who scripted historical past by profitable India’s first-ever gold medal in athletics on the Olympics, mentioned “it hurts” to see fellow athletes taking to the streets seeking justice.
He tweeted, “It hurts me to see our athletes on the streets demanding justice. They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud. As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not. What’s happening should never happen.
“This is a delicate problem and should be handled in an neutral and clear method. Pertaining authorities should take fast motion so as to be certain that justice is served.” The wrestlers have now received support from the country’s only two individual Olympic gold medallists, with 2008 Beijing Games shooting champion Abhinav Bindra too recently voicing his support to the grapplers.
“As athletes, we practice onerous on daily basis to signify our nation on the worldwide stage. It is deeply regarding to see our athletes discovering it needed to protest on the streets relating to the allegations of harassment within the Indian wrestling administration,” Bindra had tweeted.
Chopra, who is currently training in Antalya, Turkey and has his season-opening event in Doha Diamond League on May 6, has been getting compliments on social media since expressing his views on the issue.
Also backing the wrestlers is cricket legend Kapil Dev and six-time Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan, among others.
On April 28, the Supreme Court will be hearing the plea by seven wrestlers seeking registration of FIR against the WFI president.
The SC noted that there are serious allegations that are contained in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India. The apex court also issued notice to Delhi Police pertaining to the plea filed by the wrestlers.
Over the last four days, the wrestlers have slept and trained at the protest site.
Speaking to reporters after an executive committee meeting of the IOA on Thursday, Usha said, “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 in no way come to IOA.” The IOA additionally introduced the formation of a three-member committee to run the day-to-day affairs of the WFI and conduct contemporary polls inside 45 days.
