Wrestlers Protest Live: Sports Ministry Suspends Secretary Of WFI Vinod Tomar
Wrestlers Protest Live Updates : Hello and welcome to ABP Live Wrestlers Protests LIVE blog for all the latest updates and breaking news on wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India.
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Wrestlers Protests LIVE Updates: Hello and welcome to ABP Live Wrestlers Protests LIVE blog for all the latest updates and breaking news on wrestlers protest against Wrestling Federation of India. Several wrestlers including Olympians and star wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia on Wednesday made claims of sexual harrasment against officials and coaches of WFI and lead a sit-in protest against the "dictatorship" of the national federation President, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Although the wrestlers did not specify the specifics of their complaints or demands, it was evident that they were dissatisfied with the manner in which Brij Bhushan Singh, who is also a Kaiserganj-based BJP MP, runs the WFI.
Around 30 wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Rio Olympics medalist Sakshi Malikkh, world championship medalist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha, and Commonwealth Games medalist Sumit Malik.
Meanwhile, WFI President Singh denied the allegations and said that pressure was being created on some wrestlers to join the protest.
"97% of players are with the WFI. I'm hurt by the sexual harassment allegations. No player can bring those charges against me or chief coach. Pressure was created on some wrestlers to sit on dharna," he told the news agency ANI.
Following the development, The Union Sports Ministry sought an explanation from the Wrestling Federation of India over the allegations, said the Sports Authority of India, reported ANI. The Ministry has directed WFI to furnish a reply within next 72 hours into the allegation against it by the wrestlers, it added.
Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal also stepped in and joined the protest Wednesday.
"Olympian wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have brought laurels to the country, are forced to protest today. They say the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) President and coaches sexually exploit the players. Issuing a notice to the Sports Ministry and the Police to investigate the matter," she tweeted.
'Centre Heard All Players, Addl Secy Sacked....': Union Minister Anurag Thakur
The Centre has heard from all parties involved in the allegations levelled against WFI. A tournament was halted immediately, the Addl Secy was fired, and an oversight committee would launch an impartial investigation to clarify everything, news agency ANI reported quoting Union Minister Anurag Thakur. (ANI Input)
West Bengal | Centre has heard all the players pertaining to allegations levelled against WFI. A tournament was stopped immediately, Addl Secy was sacked and an oversight committee will begin an impartial probe so that everything gets clear: Union min Anurag Thakur in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/tbIEhpd7Mm
— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2023
WFI AGM, Which Was To Start At 10 AM Today In Ayodhya, Has Been Called Off
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) AGM, which was supposed to start at 10 am today in Ayodhya, has been called off, reports ANI.
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