Last Updated: May 03, 2023, 15:21 IST
Rajya Sabha MP and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha with wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sangeeta Phogat throughout their protest at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (PTI Photo/Vijay Verma)
PT Usha had come down closely on the wrestlers for resuming their protest and was criticised for her feedback
Facing criticism from all quarters for being insensitive in the direction of the protesting wrestlers, IOA president PT Usha on Wednesday met them on the protest website and assured the grapplers of her assist, saying she was first an athlete and then an administrator.
Former sprinter Usha had come down closely on the wrestlers for resuming their protest as a substitute of approaching the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for his or her points.
WATCH – PT Usha at Protest Site
She had stated that the wrestlers ought to have proven some self-discipline and that they’d tarnished the nation’s picture by hitting the streets, a remark that introduced criticism for her and the IOA.
ALSO READ | IOA President PT Usha Slams Protesting Wrestlers, Says They’re Tarnishing India’s Image
Her feedback drew ire from all circles as India’s two Olympic gold medal winners – Neeraj Chopra and Abhinav Bindra – took to social media to again the protestors.
Usha left with out talking with the media however Bajrang Punia stated she has assured them assist.
“Initially when she stated that, we felt very unhealthy however then she stated that her feedback have been misinterpreted. She stated that she is first an athlete and then an administrator,” said Bajrang, the Tokyo Games bronze medallist.
“We told her that we want justice. We don’t have a fight with the government or opposition or anyone else. We are sitting here for the betterment of wrestling. If this issue is resolved and if the allegations (against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) are proved then there should be legal action,” he added.
When requested if Usha had include an answer from the federal government or from the IOA, Punia stated, “Nothing of that kind”.
“She only said that she is with us.”
Asked if he was happy following the assembly with Usha, he stated, “If she is giving us assurance, I suppose she ought to fulfil that assurance. But we clarified to her that till and except issues should not okay and we get justice, of which we’re very hopeful, this protest will proceed.”
Asked if any solution had emerged, he said, “If the things she has spoke about… if there is an initiative along those lines, then definitely there will be a solution to this issue. She said she will try to resolve all our problems. If she wants she can do anything.”
Reacting to wrestlers’ resumption of protest, PT Usha, after the IOA’s Executive Committee assembly final week, had stated, “Thoda toh self-discipline hona chahiye (there needs to be some self-discipline). Instead of coming to us, they’ve gone straight to the streets. It’s not good for sport.”
IOA acting CEO Kalyan Chaubey had said, “IOA president Dr. PT Usha would like to say that this kind of agitation is not good for the country’s image. India has a good reputation globally. This negative publicity is not good for the country.”
This had invited criticism for Usha for not understanding the wrestlers’ viewpoint regardless of being a former athlete and a lady herself.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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