As Wrestlers protest continues to drag on, Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik has offered a big update. She has threatened a boycott of Asian Games 2023, adding that wrestlers will only participate if their issues are resolved in time.
Also Read: Wrestlers suspend protest till June 15 after meet with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur
Top wrestlers have been absent in ranking events in the lead up to the Asian Games with their training also hampered. With Hangzhou set to host Asiad from September 23 to October 8, it’s now up to the IOA committee and Sports Ministry how soon they can address wrestlers’ demand of arresting WFI chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh.
Asian Games 2023: Wrestlers Protest Update
Wrestlers filed an FIR against the WFI chief alleging sexual harassment and misconduct. Delhi Police are currently conducting an investigation.
Apart from Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are two big names to join the wrestlers protest. After a three-month protest and false promises, wrestlers conducted a protest march in front of the new parliament house on May 28.
Delhi Police charged them under Indian Penal Code Sections 147, 149, 186, 188, 332, 353, Section 3 of the PDPP Act.
They were soon removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar. Wrestlers threatened to immerse their medals in Ganga in Hardwar. However, they were stopped by Panchyat and farmer leaders.
Meeting with Anurag Thakur
Protesting wrestlers met Thakur following the Haridwar episode. Thakur promised action by June 15. Following that, wrestlers have halted the protest till that date.
Delhi Police have been instructed to complete their investigation against Brijbhushan by June 15. Thakur also promised to withdraw all FIRs against the wrestlers.
“An Internal Complaint Committee of the wrestling federation will be constituted. It will be headed by a woman. We have demanded that all FIRs filed against wrestlers be withdrawn. They also requested that Brij Bhushan Singh, who has completed 3 terms (as WFI chief), and his associates be asked not to stand for the elections again. The wrestlers promised not to hold any fresh protests before June 15,” said Thakur.
For now, wrestlers have joined their Railways duties as well practice in Sonpat.
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