India’s top wrestlers, who were protesting in the capital on Sunday demanding the resignation and arrest of the president of the wrestling federation for allegedly sexually harassing young athletes, were detained by the Delhi police. Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia were among those and later FIRs were also filed against them for violation of law and order, as dramatic scenes unfolded at the protest site on Sunday.
The police action against the champion players was condemned by opposition political leaders and a few sportspersons.
Reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, wrote in a response to a video Sakshi posted on Twitter, “I am pained to see this. There has to be a better way to deal with this.” The video showed Vinesh and Sangeeta being pushed to the ground by police officials.
“Why does it have to come down to our wrestlers being dragged around without any consideration? This isn’t the way to treat anyone. I really hope this whole situation is assessed the way it should be,” India footballer Sunil Chhetri.
Why does it have to come down to our wrestlers being dragged around without any consideration? This isn’t the way to treat anyone.
I really hope this whole situation is assessed the way it should be.— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 28, 2023
Former India cricketer expressed anguish and wrote:” I’m so sad to see the visuals of our Athletes…. Please solve this ASAP.”
I’m so sad to see the visuals of our Athletes…. Please solve this ASAP 🙏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 28, 2023
Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has denied the accusations, is a powerful lawmaker from Modi’s party.