Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha, a Rajya Sabha member, arrived at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Wednesday (May 2) to meet protesting wrestlers. Top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat have been protesting in the national capital for last 11 days, demanding action against Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who they have accused of sexually harassing women grapplers.
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Watch video: PT Usha meets protesting wrestlers at Delhi's Jantar Mantar
Notably, a few days back on April 27, PT Usha had criticised wrestlers for hitting the streets to protest against the WFI chief, amounting to 'indiscipline'. The legendary Indian track and field athlete said wrestlers should have approached the IOA instead of recommencing their public protest and should have waited for the committee's report, looking into the allegations against the BJP MP.
"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 had said last month after the sports body's executive committee meeting.
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When asked if IOA would reach out to the wrestlers since they are adamant that they would not leave the protest site until their demands are met, Usha replied, "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."
Indian women's wrestling star Sakshi Malik had reacted to PT Usha's criticism of their protest, saying" I admire PT Usha. She's motivated us. But, ma'am, I have a question. Women wrestlers have come up and brought up the subject of harassment. Can’t we protest as well?".