Olympic gold medal-winning javelin star Neeraj Chopra has spoken up for the highest Indian wrestlers protesting on the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for motion in opposition to Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Wrestlers are demanding motion in opposition to WFI president, who has been accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by the grapplers.
Neeraj Chopra launched a press release on his social media account supporting wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakski Malik. “It hurst 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,” Neeraj Chopra wrote within the assertion.
“What’s happening should never happen. This is a sensitive issue, and must be dealt with in an impartial and transparent manner. Pertaining authorities must take quick action in order to ensure that justice is served,” Neeraj Chopra added.
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) April 28, 2023
Abhinav Bindra has additionally backed the wrestlers
Earlier, one other Indian Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra additionally took to social media to announce his solidarity with the athletes. Bindra, who has all the time voiced his opinion in favour of distressed sportspersons, took to Twitter to time period the incident ‘deeply concerning’.
“As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration,” Bindra tweeted.
As athletes, we practice laborious on daily basis to characterize our nation on the worldwide stage. It is deeply regarding to see our athletes discovering it essential to protest on the streets concerning the allegations of harassment within the Indian wrestling administration. My coronary heart goes out_
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) April 26, 2023
Bindra stated that each one the issues raised by prime wrestlers ought to be addressed by the administration. “My heart goes out to all those who have been affected. We must ensure that this issue is handled properly, with the athletes’ concerns heard and addressed fairly and independently. This incident highlights the crucial need for a proper safeguarding mechanism that can prevent harassment and ensure justice for those affected. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all athletes to thrive in,” he added.
However, 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. “Our feeling is that for sexual harassment complaints, IOA has a committee and athletes’ commission. Instead of going to the street (again), they should have come to us, but they have not at all come to IOA,” Usha instructed reporters after the sports activities physique’s govt committee assembly.
The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Friday. The Delhi Police had instructed the apex courtroom that the matter requires a preliminary enquiry earlier than they might proceed with the submitting of an FIR in opposition to Brij Bhushan.
