Senior Communist Party of India leader Brinda Karat arrived to express her solidarity and joining the protest of wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India was asked to step down from the stage. The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Olympian Bajrang Punia asked her to get down from the stage.
“Please do not make this into a political issue,” said Punia who was addressing the wrestlers after interrupting his speech. Wrestlers have been sitting on a protest from yesterday against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief and other officials alleging several grapplers have been sexually exploited for several years. “If we can fight for our country, then we can also fight for our rights”, said Punia.
The protest began on 17th January, shortly after Commonwealth Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat alleged that the WFI President and other officials had been sexually exploiting the wrestlers for years. Other prominent wrestlers including Sakshi Malik are supporting Phogat and gathered for the protest.
“We wish that someday if any child comes in wrestling then he should not practice under some pressure”, Punia added. Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) CHAIRPERSON Swat Maliwal issues a notice to Delhi police and Union Sports ministry on the matter.