Another Wrestlers' Protest In Delhi, This Time Against Bajrang, Sakshi And Vinesh

Hundreds of junior wrestlers staged a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Wednesday against Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat against loss of one crucial year of their careers.

Young wrestlers hold protest against Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat ( Image Source :ANI )

A fresh twist was observed in the ongoing crisis in Indian wrestling as hundreds of young wrestlers staged a demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against the loss of one crucial year of their careers, blaming top grapplers — Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat for the same. The Olympic champions had led the protests last year against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleging him of sexual harrasment. 

Meanwhile, Sakshi Malik reacted to the protest calling out it as a "propoganda" by Brij Bhushan.  

Loaded in buses, the junior players arrived in the national capital from different parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, catching the police unaware, reported PTI. 

Around 300 of them belong to rya Samaj Akhara in Chhaprauli, Baghpat while many others came from the Virender Wrestling Academy in Narela, the report added.

#WATCH | Young wrestlers hold protests against Olympic-winning wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogal and Bajrang Punia, at Delhi's Jantar Mantar pic.twitter.com/Maw7TF9fGn

— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2024

Many of the grapplers were still packed in buses and plan to de-board and join their colleagues when more wrestlers arrive at the landmark protest site, as per PTI. 

The security personnel struggled to contain the protestors as they shouted slogans against Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat. 

"UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers," the slogan on their banner read. 

Sakshi Malik tageted Brij Bhushan alleging him of provoking the protest.

"We knew Brij Bhushan (Sharan Singh) is influential, but we had no idea he would be this powerful," she said. 

"Now, his propaganda is to make allegations that we have been grabbing young wrestlers' opportunities. However, now that I have retired, I want young girls to win and fulfill my dream," Malik added.