Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat stages protest against Wrestling Federation of India

Commonwealth Games gold medalist Bajrang Punia on Wednesday said the ongoing dictatorship by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in the sport will not be tolerated. 

Meanwhile, against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and others protested at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, alleging “harassment of wrestlers by WFI through its arbitrary rules and regulations.”

Talking to the media 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Punia said, “Wrestlers don’t want to tolerate the ongoing dictatorship. We’ll hold a press conference b/w 3-4 pm and reveal everything there.”

Moreover, against the arrogance of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Olympic medalists Sakshee Malikkh and Bajrang Punia were among the Indian wrestlers who protested. 

However, Vinesh Phogat, who is also the first Indian woman wrestler to win the gold medal at both the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, said, “The player wants self-respect and prepares for the Olympics and big games with full vigor, but if the federation does not support them, the morale breaks down. But now we will not bow down. Will fight for our rights.” 

Furthermore, the reason for the protest is that the Federation required all wrestlers, regardless of their position, to appear in trials.

“Sportspersons work hard to win medals for the country, but the Federation has done nothing but let us down. Players are being harassed by imposing arbitrary laws,” Sakshi Malik tweeted.