With Neeraj Chopra leading the way several Indian sports stars have spoken up for the wrestlers, who are protesting against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
"It hurts me to see out athletes on the streets demanding justice," Tokyo gold medalist Chopra tweeted on Friday.
"They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud. As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not."
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) April 28, 2023
Several Indian wrestlers, including Olympians Barjang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, resumed their sit-in protest against the WFI chief, who has been accused to sexual harassment and criminal intimidation.
Indian wrestlers’ protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh: All you need to know
A day after Indian Olympic Association chief, the legendary athlete PT Usha, had said that the protesting wrestlers were tarnishing the image of the country, several high-profile Indian athletes have lent support to the wrestlers.
This is what tennis star Sania Mirza to India's first individual Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, had to say:
As an athlete but more as a woman this is too difficult to watch .. they’ve brought laurels to our country and we have all celebrated them , with them .. if you have done that then it’s time to now stand with them in this difficult time too .. this is a highly sensitive matter… pic.twitter.com/7mVVyz1Dr1
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) April 28, 2023
As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration. My heart goes out…
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) April 26, 2023
The wrestlers, who had first sat in protest in January, said that seven Indian wrestlers, including a minor, had filed a complaint against the WFI chief, accusing him of sexual harassment. The instances allegedly took place from 2012 to 2022.
The Delhi Police, however, has not yet filed an FIR against Brij Bhushan, who is an MP of the ruling party BJP.
Former women's hockey captain Rani Rampal, two-time boxing world champion Nikhat Zareeb and cricketer Harbhajan Singh also demanded justice for the wrestlers.
— Rani Rampal (@imranirampal) April 28, 2023
It breaks my heart to see our Olympic & World medallists in this state. Sportspeople also serve the nation by bringing glory & laurels.
— Nikhat Zareen (@nikhat_zareen) April 28, 2023
I sincerely hope & pray that the law takes its own course and justice is served at the earliest🙏🏻
Jai Hind.#IStandWithMyChampions https://t.co/w5eaJuwzSz
Sakshi, Vinesh are India's pride. I am pained as a sportsperson to find pride of our country coming out to protest on the streets. I pray that they get justice.#IStandWithWrestlers pic.twitter.com/hwD9dKSFNv
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 28, 2023
The matter has been taken up by the Supreme Court.
