Wrestlers Protest: After facing criticism for her insensitive remarks towards the protesting wrestlers, IOA President PT Usha on met them at Jantar Mantar today and assured the grapplers of her unwavering support. She said, “she was first an athlete and then an administrator.” Earlier, Usha had said that the wrestlers should have come to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to resole the issue instead of resuming their protest. Follow Wrestlers vs WFI LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
She (PT Usha) said that she is standing with us and will get us justice and that she is an athlete first and then anything else. She said that she will look into our issue and resolve it as early as possible. We will remain here till Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh goes to jail:… pic.twitter.com/qhKi1jNtow
— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2023
She had said that the wrestlers should have shown some discipline and that they had tarnished the country’s image by hitting the streets, a comment that brought criticism for her and the IOA.
Usha left without speaking with the media but Bajrang Punia said she has assured them help.
Bajrang Punia on meeting with PT Usha
“Initially when she said that, we had felt very bad but then she said that her comments were misinterpreted. She said that she is first an athlete and then an administrator,” said Bajrang, the Tokyo Games bronze medallist.
“We told her that we want justice. We don’t have a fight with the government or opposition or anyone else. We are sitting here for the betterment of wrestling. If this issue is resolved and if the allegations (against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) are proved then there should be legal action,” he added.
When asked if Usha had come with a solution from the government or from the IOA, Punia said, “Nothing of that sort”.
Sakshi Malik on Usha’s visit
Sakshi said, “She (Usha) said it pains her to see us on the streets and not in the stadium. She said she feels for us, wants us to win more medals for the country.” “We respect her. She is a great athlete. Der Aaye Durust Aaye (Better late than never),” said Bajrang.
“If someone has come here and says she supports us, that’s all we need,” added Sakshi.
Vinesh said she did not ask Usha when will the IOA complete its probe but suggested something. “I told her, now that wrestling is under her, she should take everything under her control and start organising competitions. I also told her that she is a Rajya Sabha MP… if she can raise this issue in Parliament, that will be enough,” she said.
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