Wrestlers protest: From Neeraj Chopra to Sania Mirza, here’s what athletes across sports are saying

The wrestlers have called for support from athletes from other sports.

Apr 28, 2023 - 14:30

Wrestlers protest: From Neeraj Chopra to Sania Mirza, here’s what athletes across sports are saying

It’s been almost a week since India’s star wrestlers resumed their protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi asking for action to be taken against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The wrestlers – led by the likes of Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, and Commonwealth Games champion Vinesh Phogat – have levelled allegations of sexual harassment against Singh. Subsequently, seven female wrestlers have lodged complaints against the WFI president. However, the Delhi Police is yet to reportedly file an FIR.

While politicians, khap panchayats in Haryana and farmers groups have voiced their support, the wrestlers also reached out to co-athletes across different sports.

“The entire country worships cricket but not even a single cricketer has spoken up. We aren’t saying that you speak in our favour, but at least put up a neutral message and say there should be justice for whichever party,” Phogat had told the Indian Express.

The wrestlers had been criticised on Thursday by Olympian PT Usha and former India footballer Kalyan Chaubey. Usha, the Indian Olympic Association President, and Chaubey, the IOA’s Joint Secretary accused the protesting wrestlers of being indisciplined and tarnishing India’s image.

Earlier, there had been few messages posted on social media from 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist...