Indian Olympic Assosiation President and Rajya Sabha MP P.T. Usha arrives to fulfill wrestlers at Jantar Mantar amid their ongoing protest towards WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in New Delhi on May 2, 2023.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Facing criticism from all quarters for being insensitive in the direction of the protesting wrestlers, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha on May 3 met them on the protest web site and warranted the grapplers of her support, saying she was first an athlete after which an administrator.
Former sprinter Usha had come down closely on the wrestlers for resuming their protest as a substitute of approaching the IOA for his or her points.
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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.
Ms. Usha left with out talking with the media however Bajrang Punia stated she has assured them 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 wrestler stated.
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“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 Ms. Usha had include an answer from the federal government or from the IOA, Mr. Punia, “Nothing of that sort.”
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“She only said that she is with us.” Asked if he was glad following the assembly with Ms. Usha, he stated, “If she is giving us assurance, I suppose she should fulfil that assurance. 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.”
sked if any answer had emerged, he stated, “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, P.T. Usha, after the IOA’s Executive Committee assembly final week, had stated, “ 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.”
IOA appearing CEO Kalyan Chaubey had stated, “IOA President Dr. P.T. 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 Ms. Usha for not understanding the wrestlers’ viewpoint regardless of being a former athlete and a lady herself.
