NEW DELHI: The ongoing clash between the wrestlers and the Indian Wrestling Federation saw a major development on Friday with award-winning trainer Dronacharya Mahavir Singh Phogat threatening to return his medals.
Supporting the protesting wrestlers, renowned coach Mahavir demanded the arrest of WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and said he would return his medals if justice was not served.
The wrestlers, including the Olympic medal-winning duo of Sakshi Malik And Bajrang Punished and medalist at the world championships Vinesh Phogathave been taking part in a protest in the nation’s capital since April 23, demanding the arrest of India’s Wrestling Federation leader and BJP MP Singh for alleged sexual harassment of seven female wrestlers, including a minor.
“I will return my medals if justice is not done in the case”, Mahavir Phogat said.
“The kind of allegations he is facing, action should be taken against him and he should be arrested,” added Mahavir Phogat, who joined the BJP more than three years ago.
When asked if he had spoken to the government or raised the issue at party level, he replied: “No, there have been no discussions so far.”
Supporting the protesting wrestlers, renowned coach Mahavir demanded the arrest of WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and said he would return his medals if justice was not served.
The wrestlers, including the Olympic medal-winning duo of Sakshi Malik And Bajrang Punished and medalist at the world championships Vinesh Phogathave been taking part in a protest in the nation’s capital since April 23, demanding the arrest of India’s Wrestling Federation leader and BJP MP Singh for alleged sexual harassment of seven female wrestlers, including a minor.
“I will return my medals if justice is not done in the case”, Mahavir Phogat said.
“The kind of allegations he is facing, action should be taken against him and he should be arrested,” added Mahavir Phogat, who joined the BJP more than three years ago.
When asked if he had spoken to the government or raised the issue at party level, he replied: “No, there have been no discussions so far.”
The protesting wrestlers had also threatened to return their medals and awards, including the Padma Shri, to the government after they were allegedly mistreated by Delhi police on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, several Khaps from Haryana also came out to support the protesting athletes.
On Thursday, many Khaps staged protests, including in Hisar, Bhiwani, Jind and Rohtak, expressing their solidarity with the fighters and demanding justice for them.
Notably, Mahavir Phogat is the father of wrestlers Babita and Geeta Phogat, who was arrested by police along with her husband on Thursday as she tried to meet the wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar.
He is also Vinesh’s uncle, who was at the forefront of the protest.
(With PTI entries)
