Junior wrestlers protest against Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik; demand WFI restoration

Published at :January 3, 2024 at 9:57 AM

Modified at :January 3, 2024 at 9:57 AM

(Courtesy : Sportstar - The Hindu)

The newly formed WFI body was recently suspended by Sports Ministry.

In a surprising turn of events, hundreds of junior wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday to voice their protest against the loss of a crucial year in their wrestling careers. The junior wrestlers, hailing from various parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, expressed their discontent, attributing the setback to top wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, who has shown discontent with WFI.

Arriving in buses from different academies, particularly Arya Samaj Akhara in Chhaprauli, Baghpat, and Virender Wrestling Academy in Narela, close to 300 protesters raised slogans against Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat. Banners held by the demonstrators conveyed the message: ‘UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers,’ highlighting their dissatisfaction with the top athletes.

The protest marked a significant shift from almost a year ago when Punia, Malik, and Phogat had garnered widespread support at the same location. At that time, the trio had accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, leading to massive support from various sections of society.

However, the current protest centers around the discontent among junior wrestlers who believe that the trio are responsible for their halted training and competitions. Since January 2023, national camps and competitions have been suspended due to the WFI’s suspension, with an ad-hoc panel currently overseeing the sport.

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The protesters at Jantar Mantar demanded the restoration of the suspended WFI and the disbandment of the ad-hoc panel appointed by the Sports Ministry to manage wrestling affairs. The unexpected protest reflects the internal turmoil within the wrestling community and raises questions about the future of the sport in India.

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