Wrestlers Protest Live Updates WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Harassment Case Vinesh Phogat Bajrang Punia

22/01/2023 17:07:14

'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)

22/01/2023 09:18:52

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.

21/01/2023 22:34:52

Centre Decides To Suspend All Activities Of WFI Until Oversight Committee Is Appointed

The GoI has decided to suspend all WFI activities until the Oversight Committee is properly established and takes over the day-to-day operations of the WFI. This includes the suspension of any ongoing ranking competitions as well as the refund of any entry fees collected from participants for any ongoing activities. (ANI Input)

21/01/2023 21:37:26

Sports Ministry Suspends Secretary Of WFI Vinod Tomar

21/01/2023 16:48:04

Protest Has Some Personal, Hidden Agenda To Dislodge Current Management Of WFI: Federation

Protesters have acted more out of personal interest or under excessive pressure to smear and discredit the current sitting management of WFI. The protest has some personal as well as concealed objectives to unseat the current management of WFI. (PTI Input)

21/01/2023 16:20:17

'No Scope For Arbitrariness And Mismanagement': WFI To Sports Ministry

There is no scope for arbitrariness or mismanagement in the WFI by anyone, including the President: WFI to Sports Ministry.

21/01/2023 15:34:08

'Allegations Are Baseless': WFI Asst Secy Vinod Tomar On Wrestlers' Protest

The allegations are baseless. There is nothing like that. It has been 3-4 days, and they still haven't produced any evidence. I have been associated with them for the past 12 years, and I haven't seen anything as such: WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar responds to wrestlers' protest and allegations, ANI reported.

21/01/2023 11:07:41

Sexual harassment allegations gravest, No compromise will be done, says Yogeshwar Dutt

"It's very serious, gravest is sexual harassment allegations. There can be no compromise in sexual harassment allegations. If it happened, it should be probed & accused be punished": Yogeshwar Dutt, a part of the 7-member IOA committee to probe wrestlers' sexual harassment allegations, said.

"Also, if the allegations are false, it should be probed why were they levelled and what was the motive behind this?" he added, as per ANI.

The Committee will prepare a report within 8-10 days after listening to both sides. We'll send the report to both the Sports Ministry & Home Ministry as well as to the Prime Minister, he informed.

21/01/2023 07:40:17

Wrestlers End Protest After Govt Assurances, WFI Chief Sharan To Step Aside

The aggrieved grapplers called off their protest late on Friday night after getting assurances from the government that their grievances would be addressed, the first step of which was the stepping aside of under-fire Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya, decided to end their protest after a breakthrough was achieved during a second round of talks with union sports minister Anurag Thakur.

The wrestlers, some of the country's finest, have levelled allegations of sexual harassment and corruption against the WFI and its chief.

"It has been decided that an oversight committee will be formed. Names for which will be announced tomorrow. The committee will complete its investigation within four weeks. It will thoroughly probe all the allegations be it financial or sexual harassment that have been levelled against WFI and its chief," Thakur said after the marathon meeting.

"Till the investigation is over, he (Singh) will step aside and co-operate with the investigation and the oversight committee will run the day-to-day affairs of WFI," he added. This came barely few hours after the Indian Olympic Association had formed a seven-member committee, headed by M C Mary Kom, to probe the charges against Singh.

Olympic medallist Bajrang said, "We have been assured safety and security by the government because we were threatened by WFI president in the past. We did not want to take the route of protest, but we were pushed to the limit.

"This is an important year with the Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers lined up. So, after getting assurances from the government, we have decided to end the protest." "We are sure the committee will conduct an unbiased investigation. As far as our safety is concerned, the minister has assured that it is their responsibility." Besides legendary boxer Mary Kom and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, the IOA panel includes archer Dola Banerjee and Indian Weightlifting Federation of India (IWLF) president Sahdev Yadav.

The committee also has two advocates -- Talish Ray and Shlok Chandra -- besides former shuttler Alaknanda Ashok, who is its vice chairperson.

The IOA decision was taken during the apex sports body's emergency Executive Council meeting, which was attended by the likes of Olympic champion shooter Abhinav Bindra, Olympic bronze medallist Yogeshwar, along with IOA president PT Usha and joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey.

IOA Athletes Commission Member Shiva Keshvan was a special invitee in the meeting.

IOA president PT Usha has assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out by its panel to ensure justice. PTI

20/01/2023 20:42:33

IOA Forms 7 Member Committee To Probe Allegations Of Sexual Harassment Against WFI Chief

20/01/2023 19:08:54

Wrestlers Protest Live: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh To Address Media On Jan 22nd, Says WFI Chief's Son Pratik Bhushan Singh

20/01/2023 18:55:15

Wrestlers Protest LIVE: Protesting Wrestlers Arrive At Union Minister Anurag Thakur's Residence

20/01/2023 17:21:21

Union Sports Minister Will Once Again Meet With Us At 6 PM Today: Vinesh Phogat

20/01/2023 16:55:37

Urgent Executive Council Meeting Of IOA To Be Held At 5.45 PM Today

20/01/2023 16:16:00

Wrestlers Boycott Gonda Sports Event

Wrestlers from Haryana return from the Gonda Sports event in support of wrestlers protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) at Jantar Mantar.

National wrestling competition to be held in Gonda from 21 to 23 January.

20/01/2023 15:46:24

No Right To Sack Braj Bhushan Sharan Singh Until Investigation Report Comes: Govt

The government on Friday clarified that they have no right to sack Braj Bhushan Sharan Singh. He is an elected President of WFI. Earlier on Thursday, in a four-hour meeting, Wrestlers discussed their concerns with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

The government said that if the wrestlers agree, Braj Bhushan Sharan Singh can disassociate himself from the wrestling association till the investigation report comes.

The government told the wrestlers that a three-member committee can be formed to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment and only the wrestlers can select the names of its three members.

The coaches against whom the allegations are made may also walk away from the wrestling association until the probe is over.

According to sources, the wrestlers could not tell anything concrete about the allegations of sexual harassment.

The wrestlers had said last night that they would come back today to discuss the government's proposals.

20/01/2023 13:42:00

'Stay arrangements are made by organisers': WFI President on allegations

"Stay arrangements are made by organisers and each country's team is kept at a separate place. The (woman) wrestler who alleged that the door was open was not in that tournament": WFI President Brijbhushan S Singh on allegations that he stayed in the same hotel in Bulgaria thus violating rules, as per ANI.

I am not sitting here because of anyone's mercy, but after being elected by the public, he said.

20/01/2023 13:33:55

WFI President has given this fight a political turn: Bajrang Punia

"We're sad that the athletes have to sit here in protest leaving their practice. Our fight is only against the Wrestling Federation of India. We appeal to Prime Minister, Home Minister and Union Sports minister to hear our demands. WFI President has given this fight a political turn," Olympian Wrestler Bajrang Punia said.

20/01/2023 13:29:21

If no consensus reached today, we will lodge FIR tomorrow: Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh Phogat appealed to Prime Minister Modi for his intervention, she said if a resolution does not come by evening, wrestlers will lodge FIR tomorrow.

20/01/2023 13:12:10

Vijender Singh demands CBI probe into allegations against WFI president

"I want justice to be served to those wrestlers, there must be a thorough probe into the allegations raised by wrestlers and there must be a CBI probe against those who’re involved in this", Vijender Singh, the Olympian Boxer & Congress leader, said.

"There must be a live recording of the interaction between the Union Sports minister or any official with the wrestlers so that we will get to know exactly what they’ve discussed & will understand who is wrong & who is right," he told ANI.

20/01/2023 12:47:34

Protesting wrestlers write to IOA President PT Usha against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh

Protesting wrestlers send a written complaint against Brij Bhushan Singh to Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha.

The athletes wrote a letter to IOA President PT Usha, accusing the WFI President of sexual exploitation and financial irregularities in the complaint.

The letter signed by Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Ravi Dahiya, and Deepak Punia's demands the resignation of the WFI president and the formation of an inquiry committee on the allegations of sexual abuse.

Allegations of sexual harassment, mental torture, non-payment of sponsorship money, coaches not selected on the basis of merit, and Vinesh Phogat being mentally harassed have been raised.

Photo: Twitter/@Phogat_Vinesh

20/01/2023 12:13:47

Resignation is out of question: WFI President

"I have not had a talk with anyone yet. I will address a press conference later today. 300 athletes from Haryana have reached here," Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in Gonda, UP.

He said his resignation is out of the question.

20/01/2023 11:42:18

Wrestlers Protest LIVE: WFI President Says He Will Expose ‘Political Conspiracy’ Behind The Protest Today

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is to now hold a press conference after 4 pm at the Wrestling Training Centre in Nawabganj, Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, today.

"Exposing the political conspiracy of those conspiring against wrestling and playing with the dignity of women wrestlers," Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh wrote on Facebook in a Hindi post announcing his press conference to be held today.

20/01/2023 09:26:05

Wrestlers to address presser at Delhi's Jantar Mantar

Wrestlers to address a presser at Delhi's Jantar Mantar at 10:30 AM.

20/01/2023 09:28:26

WFI President to hold a press conference in UP

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to hold a press conference at 12 pm today at the Wrestling Training Centre in Nawabganj in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, he informed on Facebook.

20/01/2023 07:33:18

Wrestlers' meeting with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur inconclusive as they demand WFI be disbanded

Top Indian wrestlers refused to back down from their demand that the government initiate immediate steps to disband the Wrestling Federation of India as they met Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

Celebrated Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat and others have been staging a sit-in protest for the last two days at Jantar Mantar here against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation.

On Thursday night, the protesting wrestlers led by Vinesh and Bajrang besides Sakshi, Anshu Malik, Ravi Dahiya, Sarita Mor and others met Thakur at his residence and demanded speedy action.

The two sides were involved in a marathon meeting which ended around 2 am, with the parties failing to find a tangible solution thus far.

According to sources, the government wants the wrestlers to end their protest but the athletes are adamant that the WFI should be disbanded first.

"The government can resolve other issues later... we are fine with that, but it must disband the WFI first," a source close to the wrestlers told PTI.

A team of wrestlers, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Anshu, Sakshi and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan met government officials earlier on Thursday and discussed their issues with Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Sports Authority of India Director General Sandip Pradhan and Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal.

During the hour-long meeting, the wrestlers were asked to end their protest and assured that their grievances will be addressed.

The WFI is yet to submit a response to the Sports Ministry, which has sought an explanation over the wrestlers' allegations.

The ministry cannot force Brij Bhushan to resign unless it receives a written reply since the government itself had asked the WFI for an explanation.

Former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat was also part of the meeting. (PTI)

19/01/2023 23:07:12

Deeply Concerned & Disturbed: IOA President PT Usha

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Thursday said she is "deeply concerned and disturbed" by the sexual harassment allegations by renowned wrestlers against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying the national Olympic body will do everything possible to safeguard the interest of the country's women athletes.

Celebrated Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik besides Vinesh Phogat and others are staging a sit-in protest for the last two days at Jantar Mantar here against the WFI president, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation and have demanded that the federation be disbanded.

"As a woman and former athlete and presently a sports administrator, I am deeply concerned and disturbed by the latest developments in Indian wrestling, where a section of the athletes has brought serious allegations against a senior official of the sport," Usha said in a statement issued by the Indian Olympic Association.

19/01/2023 22:38:16

Babita Phogat, Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, Others Arrives At Residence Of Anurag Thakur

19/01/2023 22:31:42

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur Will Meet Wrestlers Protesting Against WFI President

19/01/2023 20:06:42

Will Try To Meet The Wrestlers After I Reach Delhi, Says Anurag Thakur

19/01/2023 17:45:27

'NCW Has Not Received A Single Complaint From Any Of The Wrestlers': Rekha Sharma

"NCW has not received a single complaint from any of those wrestlers who’re protesting. If anybody lodges a complaint with us, we immediately conduct a probe & take action," said Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW.

19/01/2023 17:04:00

'Tomorrow Will Sit On Dharna At 10 AM': Vinesh Phogat

"The dharna will continue until justice is done, we will keep sitting - Tomorrow we will sit on dharna at 10 o'clock. We are waiting for Anurag Thakur," said Vinesh Phogat.

19/01/2023 16:45:18

'Govt Did Not Promise Any Action': Sakshee Malikkh

19/01/2023 16:41:06

'Will Make Sure Brij Bhushan Singh Resigns & Jailed': Vinesh Phogat

19/01/2023 16:40:04

'We Have Evidence': Bajrang Punia

"5-6 women wrestlers are there with us who have faced these atrocities and we have evidence to prove it," said Bajrang Punia, Olympian Wrestler.

19/01/2023 16:03:08

'We Are Satisfied': Bajrang Punia After Meeting With Sports Ministry Officials

When Bajrang Punia returned after meeting the Sports Ministry, he answered the questions of the journalists and said that we are satisfied.

19/01/2023 16:00:55

Meeting Of WFI's Executive Committee & AGM Will Be Held In Ayodhya On Jan 22

The meeting of the Executive Committee and AGM of the Wrestling Federation of India will be held in Ayodhya on January 22. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will preside over the meeting.

19/01/2023 16:01:54

Wrestlers Protesting At Jantar Mantar Likely To Hold Press Conference At 4:15 PM

Wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar are likely to hold a press conference at 4:15 pm.

19/01/2023 15:45:06

Accused In the WFI Scandal Cannot Be Dismissed Based On Allegations, Says Sports Ministry Officials

According to sources, Sports Ministry officials said that the accused in the WFI scandal cannot be dismissed based on allegations as he is an elected public representative. All the accused must get time to reply, after which appropriate action will be taken.

19/01/2023 15:33:37

Wrestlers Back At Jantar Mantar After Meeting With Sports Ministry Officials

After meeting with Union Sports Ministry, Wrestlers went back to Jantar Mantar.

19/01/2023 15:05:12

Wrestlers Protest LIVE Updates: Emergency Meeting Of WFI's Executive Committee Called In Ayodhya From Jan 21 To 23

An emergency meeting of the Wrestling Federation of India's executive committee has been called in Ayodhya from January 21 to 23, sources told ABP News.

19/01/2023 14:49:21

Wrestlers Protest LIVE Updates: Safety Of Women Athletes Very Important, Says Haryana CM Khattar

Speaking on the issue between wrestlers and the Wrestling Foundation of India, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said: "The safety of our women athletes is very important and we take it seriously. We will not let their morale down. All the issues raised by the athletes will be taken seriously."

19/01/2023 12:58:04

Wrestlers Protest LIVE Updates: Impartial Probe Will Take Place, Demands Not Illegitimate, Says Babita Phogat

Wrestler Babita Phogat reached Jantar Mantar where other wrestlers are staging sit-in protest against Wrestling Federation of India and said that she will keep their demands in front of the government and that an impartial probe will be done in the matter.

19/01/2023 12:17:04

Wrestlers Protest LIVE Updates: Congress MP Deepender Hooda Demands CBI Probe Against WFI

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda Thursday demanded a CBI and Supreme Court-monitored probe against the Wrestling Federation of India after several wrestlers alleged WFI officials and coaches of sexual harassment and staged sit-in protests regarding the same.

"It's unfortunate that our wrestlers had to protest after they were not heard by their federation. I demand that the Government of India should take immediate action by suspending the Wrestling Federation of India; A CBI and SC monitored probe should be conducted," he said.

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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