Indian wrestlers’ big #MeToo protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar saw nearly 200 athletes including Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia demanding action against the federation chief and several coaches for sexually harassing them.
As per reports in NDTV, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday assured the protesting wrestlers that strict action would be taken if any coach or official of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is found guilty. Thakur met wrestlers Babita Phogat, Sakchi Malik, and Bajrang Punia among others at Jantar Mantar over allegations of sexual misconduct by Wrestling Federation of India coaches and its president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
According to media reports, the protesting wrestlers demanded Brij Bhushan’s resignation and dissolution of the WFI in the meeting that began around 10 pm. However, Anurag asked them to wait for an official reply from the WFI, which was sought by the Sports Ministry on Wednesday. But the wrestlers are not ready for anything less than the resignation of the WFI president.
Meanwhile, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh made a statement wherein he said, “There is no question of resigning. I have not spoken with the Prime Minister’s Office and Home Minister.” As per reports, Brij will address a press conference at 4 PM today.
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