New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Wednesday met the protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar within the nationwide capital and warranted the grapplers — who’ve been staging a sit-in since April 23 over allegations of sexual harassment in opposition to Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh — of her help. Former sprinter Usha’s assurance comes days after she had come down closely on the wrestlers for resuming their protest as an alternative of approaching the IOA for his or her points. She had additionally mentioned 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 a number of individuals mentioned was ‘insensitive’ in the direction of the protesting athletes.
PT Usha, who spent round one hour with the wrestlers on the protest website, left with out talking with the media however Tokyo Games bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, who can be a part of the demonstration, mentioned that she has assured them of assist.
“Initially when she said that, we felt very bad but then she said that her comments were misinterpreted. She said that she is first an athlete and then an administrator,” the information company PTI quoted Punia as saying.
He added they informed her they need ‘justice’ and that they do not have a ‘battle’ with the federal government or anybody else.Â
“We are sitting here for the betterment of wrestling. If this issue is resolved and if the allegations (against WFI president) are proved then there should be legal action,” he mentioned.
When requested if Usha had include an answer from the Centre or from the IOA, Punia mentioned, “Nothing of that sort… She only said that she is with us.”
Asked if he was happy following the assembly with Usha, he mentioned that ‘if she is giving us assurance, I suppose she ought to fulfil that assurance’.Â
“…But we clarified to her that until and unless things are not okay and we get justice, of which we are very hopeful, this protest will continue,” Punia mentioned.
ALSO READ | Anurag Thakur Tried To ‘Suppress’ The Matter: Vinesh Phogat Amid Wrestlers’ Protest
Earlier final week, PT Usha had reacted to the wrestlers’ resumption of protest and had mentioned, “Thoda toh self-discipline hona chahiye (there ought to be some self-discipline).Â
“Instead of coming to us, they have gone straight to the streets. It’s not good for the sport,” she mentioned.
IOA performing CEO Kalyan Chaubey had mentioned, “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.”
Subsequently, Usha was criticised for not understanding the wrestlers’ viewpoint regardless of being a former athlete and a girl herself.
It is notable that the protesters have been demanding legal motion in opposition to WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, for the alleged sexual harassment and intimidation of seven feminine wrestlers, together with a minor.
