Wrestlers Return To Office, Refute Rumours Of Protest Withdrawal: Key Points

The athletes, who had been actively participating in the agitation, returned to their positions within the Indian Railways on Monday, causing speculation about their withdrawal from the protest.

File Photo: During their protest march, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sangeeta Phogat, and Bajrang Punia were joined by supporters. ( Image Source :PTI )

In a turn of events, renowned wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia provided clarifications on Monday afternoon in response to speculations surrounding their involvement in the ongoing protest. The accomplished athletes resumed their positions within the Indian Railways, leading to rumors that they had withdrawn from the agitation. This development comes shortly after the athletes, who had been protesting against the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Singh, met with Home Minister Amit Shah.

For over a month, prominent wrestlers in the country have been engaged in protests in the national capital, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the WFI. The matter has progressed legally, with FIRs (First Information Reports) filed in relation to the allegations, and officials anticipate that the Delhi Police will soon file a chargesheet.

Singh has denied all the charges and said he will hang himself even if a single allegation is proven against him.

READ | Wrestlers' Protest: Big Decision Coming In Two Days, Says Sakshi Malik's Father

Here are the top points that focus on the turn of events that occurred today as reports of grapplers withdrawing their protests surfaced: 

1. A delegation of wrestlers and coaches met with Home Minister Amit Shah at his official residence in late June 3, just days after the wrestlers decided to immerse their medals from various championships in Ganga. Sakshi Malik said on Monday that the wrestlers had a "normal conversation" with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday night. 

2. According to reports, Shah listened to the wrestlers until late in the first such high-level intervention into the ongoing controversy. Earlier, the wrestlers met with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, who promised a thorough investigation into their allegations.

3. Wrestler Sakshi Malik's father, Sukhbir Malik, denied that the wrestlers' protest had been called off, saying it was all false. Sakshi reportedly withdrew her participation in the protest against Brij Bhushan after joining railway duty on Monday. Following the reports, Malik tweeted a denial, stating that she was fulfilling her responsibilities in Railways at the same time. "Our fight will not be over until justice is served. Please do not spread any false information," she said in a tweet.

4. Soon after the reports surfaced, Malik and fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia insisted that they would continue to participate in the protest. They also denied that the women wrestlers had withdrawn the FIR.

5. With their return to their posts, the wrestlers aim to bring clarity to their stance and shed light on their future involvement in the protest against the WFI leadership.

6. Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia announced on Sunday that wrestlers will soon have their own mahapanchayat, speaking at a gathering with former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and Rashtriya Lok Dal Chief Jayant Chaudhary.

READ | Minor Girl Hasn’t Taken Back FIR Against WFI Chief Brij Bhushan: Wrestler Sakshi Malik

7. The turn of events surrounding Malik and Punia underscores the ongoing dynamics within the wrestling community and the significance of their voices in the larger protest movement.

8. As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes remain on the actions and statements of these prominent athletes, as they navigate their roles in the protest while balancing their professional commitments.