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‘Political conspiracy’, says wrestler

November 28, 2024, 5:09 am

Terming his four years suspension as a political conspiracy, Olympian wrestler and Congress leader Bajrang Punia has accused the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) of indulging into a political vendetta against his activism.
Reacting sharply to NADA, the bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics said the agency’s decision was the result of personal enmity and vowed to fight the decision. He alleged that NADA had come to him for the dope test with an expired kit and he has evidence of it.
“This four-year ban is the result of personal enmity and a political conspiracy against me. This action has been taken as revenge for the movement we led in support of female wrestlers. In that movement, we raised our voices against injustice and exploitation,” Punia said in a post shared on X.
Punia claimed that he was never opposed to undergoing a doping test but accused the NADA team of taking an expired kit for his doping test.
“This was a serious oversight, and I merely requested that the test be conducted with a valid and certified kit. This was essential for safeguarding both my health and my career. However, this situation was deliberately used as a weapon against me”, he added.
Punia also levelled serious allegations on the BJP government and the federation of hatching a conspiracy against him to end his career by trapping him. “NADA’s actions have proven that fairness is not their priority. Many such institutions are operating under the government’s directives. The real intent behind this ban is to silence me and prevent me from raising my voice against wrongdoing,” said the post.
“Let me make it clear that even if I am banned for life, I will not stop raising my voice against injustice. This fight is not just mine; it belongs to every athlete who has been silenced by the system. I will appeal against this decision and fight for my rights until my last breath,” Punia said.
Punia along with star wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik had led a protest against the former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bushan Saran Singh. Later, ahead of Haryana Assembly Elections Punia and Phogat had joined the Congress party; later Punia was appointed as the working chairman of All India Kisan Congress.
According to NADA, Punia was suspended for refusing to submit a sample for a doping test on March 10 during the national team selection trials. This decision came after NADA had initially suspended Bajrang Punia on April 23 for the same offence, which led to a subsequent suspension by the World Governing Body, UWW. However, there are reports that Punia’s legal team has indicated plans to file an appeal, challenging the ban in higher forums.

Bajrang Punia’s 4-Year Suspension: A Fair Decision or Unjust Punishment?

November 27, 2024, 1:01 pm

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has handed wrestler Bajrang Punia a four-year suspension. This follows his refusal to provide a sample during the national team selection trials on March 10. Earlier, NADA had suspended Bajrang on April 23. The global governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), also imposed sanctions on him.

Provisional Suspension Lifted, But Full Suspension Imposed

Initially, NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) lifted Bajrang’s provisional suspension on May 31. However, the full suspension was later reinstated. The Panel ruled that his four-year suspension would begin from April 23, 2024. It also noted that the period from May 31 to June 21 would not count toward the suspension.

Bajrang Challenges the Suspension

Bajrang, who recently joined Congress and became leader of the All India Kisan Congress, contested the charges. He submitted his challenge on July 11 and attended hearings in September and October. Ultimately, the Panel found him guilty under Article 10.3.1 of the Anti-Doping Rules. The Panel confirmed the four-year ban.

Bajrang’s Defense: Discriminatory Treatment

Bajrang argued that he faced unfair treatment during doping procedures. He believed this was due to his involvement in protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. He clarified that he did not outright refuse the test. Instead, he asked NADA for clarification about expired testing kits used in December 2023.

“It was not an outright refusal per se. The athlete was always willing to provide his sample provided that he first received a response from NADA concerning the use of expired kits,” Bajrang explained.

NADA Defends Its Actions

NADA responded by stating that its Chaperone/Doping Control Officer (DCO) had properly informed Bajrang about the need for a sample. NADA accused Bajrang Punia of neglecting his responsibilities under the Anti-Doping Rules.

“The Athlete has demonstrated utter disregard towards his duties and responsibilities as per Articles 20.1 & 20.2 of the Anti Doping Rules, 2021,” NADA said.

Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: Bajrang Punia Congratulates Vinesh Phogat on Election Victory

October 8, 2024, 2:07 pm

Ace wrestler and Congress leader Bajrang Punia congratulated Vinesh Phogat, who is leading from the Julana assembly seat in Haryana’s Jind district. As per the Election Commission’s website, Phogat is on track to win the seat with a lead of 5,231 votes against her nearest rival, BJP’s Yogesh Kumar.

Bajrang Punia, who recently joined the Congress along with Vinesh, expressed his pride in her achievement, posting in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter):
“Many congratulations to the country’s daughter Vinesh Phogat for her victory. This fight was not just for one Julana seat, it was a fight against the strongest oppressive forces in the country. And Vinesh emerged victorious.”

Congress Voices Concerns Over Election Commission Data

Despite Vinesh Phogat’s strong lead, Congress has raised concerns over discrepancies in the vote count data shown by the Election Commission (EC). Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the EC of slowing down the display of real-time election trends, alleging that outdated information is being shared to influence the results in favor of the BJP.

Meanwhile, as counting continued, BJP candidates were leading in 49 out of 90 constituencies, while the Congress led in 35 seats. Independent candidates and members of INLD and BSP are also leading in some constituencies. Despite earlier exit polls predicting a Congress victory, the BJP is edging towards a hat-trick win in the Haryana Assembly election.

In other key races, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda was leading from the Garhi Sampla-Kiloi seat, defeating his nearest rival, BJP’s Manju.

Counting of votes from the October 5 assembly election began at 8 AM on Tuesday. As per the EC data at 12:40 PM, counting was almost complete in most constituencies, with results expected to be finalized soon.

Kiran Baliyan Fails Dope Test: Asian Games Bronze-Winner Faces Suspension

September 18, 2024, 4:56 pm

In a significant development, Asian Games bronze-medal-winning shot-putter Kiran Baliyan has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for a banned substance. Baliyan, who made history as only the second Indian woman to win a medal in shot put at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, tested positive for metandienone, an anabolic androgenic steroid. This substance is prohibited at all times, and the 25-year-old now faces the prospect of a maximum four-year ban if found guilty.

Baliyan’s doping suspension comes after a series of recent sporting accolades, including a gold at the 2023 National Inter-State Championships and a silver at the 2024 Federation Cup. Her case adds to the growing list of doping offenders, as multiple athletes from different disciplines have been implicated in NADA’s latest crackdown.

Notable Absence: Bajrang Punia

Interestingly, the name of Olympic bronze-medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia is missing from the latest list of doping offenders, even though he had been previously suspended by NADA. Punia, who had led a protest against Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, had his suspension revoked by the Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) on May 31, after appealing against the provisional suspension. The ADDP had revoked the ban until NADA could issue a formal notice of charge.

Punia was initially suspended on April 23 for refusing to provide a urine sample during selection trials held in Sonepat on March 10. The global wrestling body, United World Wrestling (UWW), had also suspended him, but his name was absent from this latest NADA list.

Other Athletes Implicated in Doping

Several other high-profile Indian athletes have found themselves facing similar doping charges. Hammer thrower Manju Bala, a bronze-medalist at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, tested positive for dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone (steroid) and SARMS LGD-4033 (ligandrol). Bala had been a dominant figure in her discipline until the suspension.

Shalini Chaudhary, who won silver at the 2024 Federation Cup, also tested positive for metandienone, while long-distance runner Chavi Yadav was caught using drostanolone, an anabolic steroid.

In wrestling, 2023 U20 World Championships bronze medalist Arju tested positive for stanozolol, another banned substance. Additionally, Badminton, which rarely sees doping cases, made headlines as Krishna Prasad Garaga, a doubles player and member of the 2022 Thomas Cup-winning Indian team, tested positive for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG).

Doping in Other Sports

Wushu athletes T Menaka Devi, Manjinder Singh, and Goutam Sharma also figured in the list, marking a surge in doping cases within the sport. Other athletes implicated include Bhupendra Singh Byadwal from pencak silat, Ashish Phugat from rowing, and Ribason Singh Ningthoujam from canoeing.

NADA’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on doping violations have spotlighted the increasing number of athletes across various sports disciplines testing positive for banned substances. These latest suspensions raise questions about the effectiveness of anti-doping measures and the pressures athletes face in competitive sports.

As these athletes await their hearings, the future of their careers hangs in the balance, and the consequences for Indian sports continue to unfold.

‘Leave Congress Or…’: Bajrang Punia Receives Death Threats Via WhatsApp

September 8, 2024, 7:36 pm

On Sunday, Olympian wrestler Bajrang Punia said he has received a death threat on WhatsApp from an international number. The caller had asked him to get out of the Congress party and otherwise, he will have to face dire consequences, threatening him it was a “first and last warning.” Police have started an investigation into the threat calls.

Punia, along with fellow Olympian Vinesh Phogat, recently joined the Congress party ahead of the Haryana assembly elections. Both the wrestlers formally joined the party in Delhi last week, where Phogat was announced to contest from Julana and Punia was made the Working Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.

Phogat thanked the Congress party, saying, “I want to thank the Congress party. The moment we were protesting, except the BJP, all other parties were understanding our pain. Congress is ready to fight for the women of this country. I want to assure each and every woman of this country that we are standing with them.” BJP IT Cell tried to build an image that we won’t be able to do wrestling, and that is why we are doing politics. But I fought back. It is a very proud moment for me. I want that no other athlete would face what we had faced in the past.

Punia attacked BJP and said, “What the BJP is saying, that we were only doing politics, I want to tell them that we had given letters to its leaders but still no one had come to support us. We had not asked for anything from Congress, still they were with us. When the entire country was feeling bad for Vinesh, it was BJP IT cell which was celebrating.”

Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan welcomed the wrestlers, saying, “Both of them have won the hearts of people. We are proud of them. We are proud of Vinesh. Now she is entering into the political arena. We welcome them.”

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said, “They protested with farmers, they stood with Agniveers. Leaders are produced during such movements. We are proud to have them both in our party.”

Before entering Congress, both Phogat and Punia had sent in their resignation from Indian Railways. In his resignation letter, Punia had written, “I had joined this prestigious service on 13th September 2014. I am thankful to the Northern Railways for the grooming provided to me in my professional service, and I also express my profound gratitude to all who worked with me in all my capacities during the course of my service in the Northern Railways. I wish to tender my resignation from my post of OSD Sports, Northern Railways, and request you to relieve me of my duties thereto. I have decided to tender my resignation on account of personal reasons and circumstances at my home. I have already informed you verbally regarding this.”

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s Reaction to Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia: “The Move Began Two Years Ago”

September 7, 2024, 11:40 am

In his first response to Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claimed, “The move started two years ago.” The former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader accused several top Congress figures of orchestrating the wrestlers’ protest against him, which involved allegations of sexual harassment.

Brij Bhushan alleged that the protest began as a political conspiracy on January 18 two years ago. He claimed the Congress, including leaders like Deepender Hooda and Bhupinder Hooda, was behind the agitation. “This was not a genuine protest by sportspersons but a scripted drama by the Congress,” he stated.

Targeting Bhupinder Hooda, Brij Bhushan suggested that the Congress leader was central to the movement. He accused the Congress of using the wrestlers’ protest for political gain, stating, “The daughters of Haryana are suffering because of this. We are not to blame; it is Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, and the protesters who are responsible.”

He also questioned what the Congress would say if it was proven that he wasn’t in Delhi on the day the alleged incidents occurred. “They exploited the daughters for politics and defamed them,” he added.

Earlier, Brij Bhushan criticized the Congress’s approach to Haryana assembly elections, dismissing their chances and expressing readiness to campaign for BJP candidates if directed by his party.

Brij Bhushan further criticized Congress leaders who supported the wrestlers’ protests, accusing them of undermining wrestling in India.

On Friday, Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who had led the protest against Brij Bhushan, joined Congress. Phogat will contest the Haryana Assembly elections from Julana, while Punia was appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.

The Haryana Assembly elections will be held on October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.

Bajrang Punia Takes Charge As Working Chairman of All India Kisan Congress

September 6, 2024, 10:42 pm

Hours after joining the Congress party, Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia was made the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress on Friday. Announcing the development, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal tweeted: “Hon’ble Congress President has approved the proposal of the appointment of Shri Bajrang Punia as the Working Chairman of All India Kisan Congress, with immediate effect.”

Punia thanked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal for reposing “such a big responsibility” in him.

On X, Punia wrote in Hindi, “I will strive shoulder to shoulder with the crisis-ridden farmers, become a partner in their struggle and work as a true soldier of the organisation.”

His appointment has sparked speculations on whether he would also contest the forthcoming Haryana assembly election, as Congress named Vinesh Phogat from Julana.

Earlier, Punia and Phogat had led a protest of wrestlers against the then WFI chief and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in 2023.

“Punia recalled that during their difficult times, Congress stood with them. What the BJP IT Cell is saying today is that we just wanted to do politics. We had written to all women BJP MPs to stand with us, but they didn’t come. We are paying the price for raising our voices for women, but now we know that the BJP stands with atrocities against women at Jantar Mantar and all other parties stand with us.”

Punia also attacked the BJP: “The day Vinesh qualified for the finals, the country was happy but the next day all were sad. At that time, one IT cell was celebrating.”

Vinesh Phogat Expresses Pride in Joining Congress Ahead of Haryana Polls

September 6, 2024, 3:59 pm

Olympians and prominent wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress party, a significant political development just weeks before the Haryana Assembly elections. The duo, who led protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations last year, met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge before their induction at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, Phogat reflected on the difficult times they faced during the protests, stating, “It is only when times are bad that you know who stands with you.” She thanked the Congress party for their support, adding, “When we were dragged on the roads, every party except the BJP stood with us and understood our pain.”

Phogat, 30, expressed pride in joining a party that stands against injustice towards women. She emphasized her commitment to work with the same dedication that defined her wrestling career, while vowing to continue her fight for women’s rights.

Earlier in the day, Phogat resigned from her position as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with Northern Railways, citing personal reasons. In her resignation letter, she thanked the Indian Railways for the opportunity and shared her plans to focus on serving the public.

Bajrang Punia, also 30, joined Phogat in meeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier in the week, fueling speculation about their political entry. Both athletes are expected to play significant roles in the upcoming elections, with Punia likely to be appointed co-chairman of the Haryana Congress campaign committee and Phogat possibly contesting the Assembly polls.

Phogat’s entry into politics follows her retirement from wrestling after her disqualification in the 50 kg freestyle event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she exceeded the weight limit by 100 grams. Despite her setback, her popularity remains strong, particularly among farmers, a key voting bloc in Haryana. Last week, Phogat extended her support to farmers demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at a protest on the Haryana-Punjab border.

The Congress is banking on Phogat’s influence to garner support from farmers and capitalize on growing discontent with the BJP, which has ruled Haryana since 2014. The party is also negotiating seat-sharing with its INDIA alliance partner, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), ahead of the state’s 90-seat election. While AAP seeks 10 seats, Congress has offered five to seven, and discussions are ongoing.

This move by the Congress comes as it aims to consolidate its position in Haryana after securing five out of 10 Lok Sabha seats earlier this year. However, the BJP faces internal challenges, with key leaders such as Energy Minister Ranjit Chautala and MLA Lakshman Napa leaving the party, potentially bolstering the Congress’s chances.

Sakshi Malik on Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat Joining Congress: “Their Personal Choice”

September 6, 2024, 3:34 pm

Olympic medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik commented on the impending political induction of fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat into the Congress party, stating that it was their personal decision to enter politics. Malik clarified that, despite receiving political offers herself, she has no plans to pursue a political career, preferring to continue her advocacy for women’s rights in wrestling.

“I also received several political offers, but I refused them because I believe in staying true to my fight for women in wrestling,” Malik said. She emphasized that her struggle remains focused on improving the sport for women and that her agitation against exploitation in wrestling continues. Malik’s remarks came shortly before Punia and Phogat were seen leaving the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, as part of their formal induction into the party.

This development comes ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, with the counting of votes on October 8. Both Phogat and Punia were involved in protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment in 2023.

Malik reiterated that her fight was solely against Brij Bhushan and had no political motivations. “I am apolitical and will not join any party campaign. My fight was only against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh,” she said.

Sources suggest that while Bajrang Punia will not contest the elections, he is likely to be appointed as the co-chairman of the Haryana Congress campaign committee. Vinesh Phogat, however, is expected to contest the election, with her seat to be finalized soon.

This political move comes after both Punia and Phogat met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the national capital earlier this week, fueling speculation about their entry into politics. Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the 50 kg gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and subsequently retired from wrestling, is expected to follow in the footsteps of her cousin Babita Phogat, a BJP MLA.

Haryana Polls: Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to Join Congress Party

September 6, 2024, 2:37 pm

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are set to officially join the Congress party today at 2 PM at the residence of Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge, located on Rajaji Marg, according to sources.

This development comes at a crucial time, as Haryana gears up for its upcoming assembly elections. Speculation regarding the political entry of the renowned athletes has been growing, especially after a recent meeting with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal at Gandhi’s residence on 10 Akbar Road, Janpath. The 40-minute meeting fueled rumors that Phogat and Punia could be fielded as Congress candidates in the Haryana Assembly elections.

The potential entry of these high-profile athletes into politics could have a significant impact on the state’s political landscape, should they choose to contest elections on a Congress ticket.

Leaders of Protest Against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia were at the forefront of the protests against former BJP MP and then Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in 2023. The protests centered on allegations of sexual harassment against Singh, marking a turning point in the wrestlers’ public involvement in national issues.

Phogat, an Olympic wrestler, announced her retirement following her disqualification from the Tokyo Olympics, where she was found to be overweight by 100 grams in her 50-kg category. Bajrang Punia, a bronze medalist from the Tokyo Games, is also considered a major figure in Indian sports.

Impact on Haryana Elections

With Haryana’s assembly elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, the inclusion of well-known athletes like Phogat and Punia could alter the political dynamics. Talks of seat-sharing between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are already underway, as both parties strategize for the elections in the state. The counting of votes will take place on October 8, 2024.

Watch: Bajrang Punia Criticized For Standing On ‘Tiranga’ Poster While Welcoming Vinesh Phogat In Delhi

August 17, 2024, 6:16 pm

Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia found himself in controversy after he was seen standing on a ‘Tiranga’ poster while welcoming Vinesh Phogat at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on August 17.

Vinesh Phogat arrived from the Paris Olympics, where her appeal for a silver medal was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) following her disqualification from the gold medal match. Her return was marked by a grand reception, with fellow wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia present to greet her.

In a video that surfaced online, Bajrang Punia was captured standing on the bonnet of a car adorned with a ‘Tiranga’ poster. While managing the crowd and media, Punia inadvertently stepped on the poster.

Watch:

So @BajrangPunia standing on ‘Tiranga’

Fun fact you can’t criticise him because he has represented India in olympic games so he has freedom to do all this. pic.twitter.com/FNDniKuyXI

— BALA (@erbmjha) August 17, 2024

The footage quickly went viral, leading to criticism from netizens who accused him of disrespecting the Indian flag. Although it appeared to be unintentional, the act was deemed disrespectful by many.

Amidst the controversy, Vinesh Phogat was visibly emotional upon her return. After the Paris Games, she had stayed in France to await the verdict on her disqualification. Phogat had appealed for a joint-silver medal, having won all her bouts except the final, where she was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams. The CAS upheld the disqualification based on IOC and United World Wrestling rules.

Vinesh Phogat in tears …!!!

– Vinesh is back in India! ??pic.twitter.com/ulzn7A8JI9

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 17, 2024

Upon her arrival, Phogat was overwhelmed by the reception and broke down in tears. Bajrang Punia, while addressing the media, praised Phogat’s resilience and expressed gratitude to the supporters. “She (Vinesh Phogat) is being welcomed like a champion. The country saw Vinesh’s journey from the streets to the podium. We thank all the countrymen,” Punia remarked.

‘Phogat Will Reach Delhi Airport at 10:00 AM on 17 August’: Bajrang Punia

August 14, 2024, 6:12 pm

Due to the delay in the verdict on wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, she will not return to India until the decision is announced. CAS hearing has been deferred to August 16.

However, there are now reports suggesting her return on August 17.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has further postponed the verdict on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal regarding her disqualification from the women’s 50 kg final at the Paris Olympics to August 16.

According to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the verdict, originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 13 at 9:30 pm IST, has been delayed to August 16.

“Vinesh will not come to India until her verdict is announced,” sources said.

CAS has established an ad hoc division in Paris, led by President Michael Lenard from the US, to handle Olympic cases. This division operates within the Paris judicial court in the 17th arrondissement.

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified on the morning of the Paris Olympics final for exceeding the 50kg weight limit. During the weigh-in, she was found to be 100 grams over the limit.

Following her disqualification, Phogat requested CAS on August 7 to award her the silver medal.
CAS had previously extended the deadline to August 13. Vinesh had reached the gold medal match by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals.

The 29-year-old was set to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold but was disqualified for the weight limit breach. A day after her disqualification, Vinesh also announced her decision to retire from wrestling.

After Vinesh failed to meet the qualification mark, members and officials of the Indian Olympic Association came under scrutiny.
IOA President PT Usha clarified on Sunday that the responsibility for weight management of athletes in sports like wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, and judo lies with each athlete and their coach, not with the IOA-appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team.

Usha stated that each Indian athlete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in such sports had their own support team, which had been working with the athletes for many years, according to a statement from IOA.

Bajrang Punia Extends His Support for Vinesh Phogat, Says “Those Who Are Trolling…”

August 8, 2024, 4:09 pm

Wrestler Bajrang Punia has strongly criticized those mocking Vinesh Phogat following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat, who was disqualified for being over the 50kg weight limit by just 100 grams, has received widespread support from Punia, who has praised her efforts and resilience.

Punia addressed the situation, stating, “Those who are trolling have no idea about wrestling or how weight can be reduced. These are the people who are giving opinions now, they’re not upset because a medal has been lost.” He emphasized the strict regulations in wrestling tournaments, where there is a two-hour gap between weigh-in and the start of the match, and no allowance is given for weight discrepancies.

Punia also highlighted that Phogat’s situation is not unique, noting that several wrestlers have faced disqualification for similar reasons. “Vinesh tried her absolute best. This is not the first time this is happening. Several wrestlers, some of whom I know personally, have been disqualified due to this reason,” he said.

Punia expressed disappointment that instead of showing empathy, people were mocking Phogat. He added, “The unfortunate outcome of the incident is that people aren’t mourning the fact that a daughter of the nation has lost an Olympic medal. In fact, Vinesh is being mocked.”

Phogat has announced her retirement from wrestling, citing a lack of courage and strength to continue. Punia extended his support, tweeting, “Vinesh, you have not lost, you’ve been defeated. For us, you will always be a winner. You are not only a daughter of India but also its pride.”

Phogat has appealed her disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), requesting that a silver medal be awarded. The decision is still pending.

Bajrang Punia Suspended From UWW For Alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV)

May 11, 2024, 3:19 pm

The National Anti-Doping Agency has suspended Indian Professional Wrestler Bajrang Punia for Anti-doping rule violation after he refused to give his urine samples during the selection trials for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers. Punia took his social media account to put forward his reasons.

Using his official X handle, Punia said “This is to clarify that, I have at no stage refused to give my sample for doping control. On 10 March 2024, when I was approached by alleged doping control officials, I merely reminded them that the last two times they came to collect my sample, they had gotten expired kits once and on the other instance, they had approached me with a single testing kit as opposed to the three testing kits.”

This is to clarify that, I have at no stage refused to give my sample for doping control. On 10 March 2024, when I was approached by alleged doping control officials, I merely reminded them that the last two times they came to collect my sample, they had gotten expired kits once…

— Bajrang Punia ?? (@BajrangPunia) May 10, 2024

Furthermore, he said “I then sought an answer from them as the NADA did not provide an answer to any of my communications demanding an explanation for the same and informed them that I would give my sample upon receiving such an explanation from them. Not only did the doping control officials refuse to provide an explanation, but they did not provide me with any proof on this instance of them carrying proper equipment and merely left from the venue where I was at, claiming it to be a refusal from my end,”

He then added, “I continued to be at the venue as I had another bout scheduled for 3/4 position. After my semifinal bout, I met the SAI doctor at the venue for treatment regarding a knee injury suffered during the semifinals of the Wrestling Trials.

“I only left the venue about an hour after the alleged doping control officials approached me, contrary to how it has been portrayed that I left immediately. In fact, the dope-controlling officer should have accompanied me till I submitted my medical report to the competition manager as per protocol, rather than leaving in a hurry in the middle of the trials, to record my refusal.

“Even if this incident is treated as refusal, the fact that it was due to NADA using expired kits and not providing an explanation for using them, or giving me comfort, that they had not carried expired kits again, should be considered as a compelling justification.

“I took such a stance solely because of the NADAs actions in the past, which, in the absence of an explanation, could continue a dangerous trend of the use of expired kits or non-compliance with doping control protocol. It is my moral obligation towards the wrestling community and particularly the younger wrestlers, that I exercised here,”

First, NADA suspended him on April 23 for his ‘refusal’ to give urine samples during the selection trails for Olympic Trials on March 10th.

Then UWW took the decision of suspending Punia till December 31, 2024, as he was ‘provisionally suspended’ by NADA for allegedly violating the anti-doping rule.

Punia through his Counsel Vidushpat Singhania filed a reply on NADA’s notice on Tuesday and is yet to have a hearing of his case before the anti-doping disciplinary panel.

Even though it was a provisional suspension by NADA, which stands as a competent authority, for all the competitions and sports activities and is valid till the charge is disposed off, but is still not clear how UWW came up with the exact date till which Punia will be suspended.

NADA Imposes Indefinite Suspension On Wrestler Bajrang Punia

May 5, 2024, 1:34 pm

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has imposed an indefinite suspension on wrestler Bajrang Punia, potentially impacting his prospects for participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Sources indicate that Punia did not provide his urine sample during the selection trials in Sonepat on March 10, leading NADA to issue the suspension order, barring him from future events.

“With subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and in accordance with article 7.4 of the NADR 2021, Bajrang Punia has been immediately provisionally suspended from participation in any competition or activity prior to the final decision reached at a hearing in this matter,” read an official release from NADA dated April 23.

Punia, alongside several other prominent wrestlers such as Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh, was among those who accused former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. With his suspension amid these allegations, Punia, who secured a bronze medal for the country at the Tokyo Olympics, is expected to be ineligible for participation in the upcoming selection trials scheduled for later this month. As of now, no Indian athlete has secured an Olympic quota in the 65kg category.

Sujeet Kalkal has been designated to represent India at the World Qualifiers commencing in Istanbul on May 9. The suspension notice was directed to the now-disbanded ad hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), rather than the federation acknowledged by United World Wrestling (UWW). Despite releasing a video a few months earlier alleging the expiration of dope-collecting kits, Punia disregarded the instructions of the dope control officer, citing unresolved concerns with NADA officials.

As per the report from the dope-collecting officer, Punia departed despite being informed that his refusal would lead to a warning for violating anti-doping regulations.

“Punia, surrounded by his supporters, continuously repeated his statement and immediately left the venue refusing to give a dope sample,” the DCO stated in his report.

Punia was required to provide a written explanation by May 7 for his refusal to furnish supporting documentation and a urine sample.

“If you do accept the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings, subject to the right of appeal. If you disagree, the matter will be referred for adjudication to the anti-doping disciplinary panel,” the letter stated.

Fresh protest erupts in Indian wrestling; this time directed towards Bajrang, Sakshi and Vinesh

January 3, 2024, 4:05 pm

As a result of the loss of a pivotal year in their careers, which they attributed to top grapplers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, hundreds of junior wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar here on Wednesday, adding a new twist to the ongoing crisis in Indian wrestling. The junior wrestlers surprised the police when they arrived, loaded into buses, from various parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. Arya Samaj Akhara in Chhaprauli, Baghpat was the source of nearly 300 of them, while the Virender Wrestling Academy in Narela was the source of many more. When more wrestlers show up at the historic protest site, many of the ones who are currently crammed into buses intend to get off and join their comrades.

Slogans disparaging Punia, Malik, and Phogat were yelled as the security guards tried to subdue them. “UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers” was written on the banners carried by the protesters. When the top three wrestlers demanded the arrest of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after accusing him of sexually harassing female wrestlers, they ironically managed to garner a great deal of support for their cause at the same protest site almost a year ago.

Thousands of supporters of Malik, Phogat, and Punia turned out from a variety of social groups, including farmers’ organizations, social workers, politicians, women’s organizations, and wrestling fraternity members. The three are currently the target of demonstrations from members of their community who have gathered at Jantar Mantar, claiming that they have ruined their careers. National teams and tournaments have not taken place since January 2023 because the WFI has been suspended twice and the sport is now governed by an ad hoc panel.

Sports Ministry suspends wrestling federation over ‘hasty’ announcements, amid controversy over WFI polls

December 24, 2023, 12:19 pm

In a significant move, coming in light of fresh protests by star wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia over the election of an aide of deposed WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as the new president of the wrestling federation, the Union Sports Ministry on Sunday suspended the sport’s premier governing body in the country along with all its office-bearers.
The decision came close on the heels of the newly elected WFI president Sanjay Singh announcing the hosting of the U-15 and U-20 nationals at Nandini Nagar in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh by the end of the year.
Later, fellow Olympian Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri in protest, expressing his concerns about Sanjay Singh’s appointment as the new head of the WFI. Earlier, prominent wrestlers spearheaded a demonstration in which they publicly denounced Brij Bhushan and accused him of harassing them sexually.

“This announcement is hasty, without giving sufficient notice to wrestlers who are to take part in the said nationals and without following the provisions of the constitution of WFI. As per clause 3 (e) of the preamble of the constitution of WFI, the object of the WFI, among others, is to arrange the holding of Senior, Junior and Sub Junior National Championships as per UWW Rules at places selected by the Executive Committee,” the Sports Ministry stated in a release on Sunday.
“Such decisions are to be taken by the Executive Committee, before which agendas are required to be placed for consideration. As per Article XI of the WFI constitution under the Heading ‘Notices and Quorum for Meetings’, the minimum notice period for EC meetings is 15 clear days and the quorum is of 1/3rd of representatives. Even for Emergency EC meetings, the minimum notice period is 7 clear days with a quorum requirement of 1/3rd of representatives,” the ministry added.

Returning my Padma Shri: Wrestler Bajrang Punia

December 23, 2023, 1:38 am

India’s ace wrestler Bajrang Punia on Friday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that he is returning his Padma Shri as a mark of protest over the results of the recent Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections where Sanjay Singh, an aide of former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was elected as the president.

Punia shared a detailed post on X, stating, “I am returning my Padma Shri award to the Prime Minister. All I have to say is in this letter; this is my statement.”
“Dear Prime Minister, I hope you are healthy and busy serving the country. Amid your busy schedule, I want to draw your attention to our wrestling. You must be aware that in January this year, women wrestlers in the country made serious allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Singh, who was in charge of the WFI,” the Olympic medallist expressed.

“When those women wrestlers started their movement in January, I also joined the agitating wrestlers. They returned home when the government told them to take concrete action. However, even after three months, when no FIR was filed against Brij Bhushan, we wrestlers took to the streets again in April. We wanted Delhi Police to take action against Singh and file an FIR, but things did not work out. Hence, we had to go to court and file an FIR,” he added.

Earlier, Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, a face of the wrestlers’ protest against Brij Bhushan over sexual harassment allegations, announced on Thursday that she is quitting wrestling. Her decision came within an hour after Sanjay Singh was elected as the new WFI chief, replacing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
In May this year, a scuffle broke out between ace wrestlers protesting against the WFI chief and Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar. Wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and other top grapplers, alleged that Delhi Police personnel manhandled them when they tried to bring in mattresses after daylong rain.

“In January, the number of complainant women wrestlers was 19, which came down to 7 by April. In these three months, Brij Bhushan Singh left 12 women wrestlers behind in the fight for his position. The movement lasted for 40 days, during which a female wrestler further retreated. We all felt pitiful, our protest venue was destroyed, and we were chased out of Delhi, and our protest was banned. When this happened, we did not understand what to do, so we took our medals,” Punia added further in his post on ‘X.’

“When we went there, our coach and the farmers did not allow us to do so. At the same time, a call came from one of your responsible ministers, and we were told to go back; justice will be done to us. Meanwhile, we also met our Home Minister, and he assured us that he would support them in getting justice for the women wrestlers and will oust Brij Bhushan, his family, and his henchmen from the federation,” he said.
“We accepted their advice and ended our movement on the streets because the government would resolve the wrestling union, and the fight for justice would take place in court. These two things seemed logical to us,” Bajrang further wrote.

Talking about the win of Brij Bhushan-aide Sanjay Singh, the Olympic bronze medallist said under pressure, Sakshi retired from wrestling, and she spent the night crying.
“But in the wrestling association elections held on December 21, Brij Bhushan has once again won. He stated that ‘there is dominance and there will be dominance’,” he said.
“The accused of sexual exploitation of female wrestlers was again openly claiming his dominance over the body that manages wrestling. Under this mental pressure, Sakshi Malik, the only female wrestler to win an Olympic medal, retired from wrestling, and we all spent the night crying. I was not able to understand where to go, what to do, and how to live. The government had given me so much respect. Should I continue to decline under the burden of this respect?” the Olympic bronze medallist questioned further.

Talking about the honours he received, Bajrang wrote, “In 2019, I was awarded Padma Shri, also honoured with Khel Ratna and Arjun Awards. I was very happy when I got this honour. I felt that life had been successful, but today I am more unhappy in it, and respect is eluding me. There is only one reason in order to get respect for wrestling, our fellow women wrestlers have to give up wrestling for their safety.”
“Sports have brought tremendous changes in the lives of our female players. Earlier, in the villages, it could not be imagined that boys and girls would be seen playing together in the rural fields. However, due to the courage of the first-generation female players, this could happen. In every village, you will see girls playing here and going even to the country and abroad to play,” he said.

“But those whose dominance has been established or will remain so, even their shadow scares the women players, and now they have completely taken over again. The daughters who were supposed to become the board ambassadors of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ were put in such a situation that they had to step back from their sport.
These ‘respected’ wrestlers could not do anything. After the women wrestlers were humiliated, they became ‘respected’ and started their careers. Don’t live life; live moth. Such a life will spoil me; that is why I am returning you out of respect,” he concluded.

“Fight will continue in court, not on roads”: Wrestlers’ protest against WFI president

June 26, 2023, 10:31 am

Top wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia have called off their protest, claiming that the government has fulfilled its pledge to charge Wrestling Federation Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh with sexual harassment. They said that the fight will now be fought in court, not on the roads. Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik also announced they were taking a short break from social media.
Malik took to Twitter on Sunday to state that the “battle will now be fought in court and not on roads till justice is delivered.”
The wrestlers posted identical tweets yesterday in which they said that the government has fulfilled its promise of filing a chargesheet against Singh, a six-time BJP MP.
“As per the talks held on June 7, the government has implemented our demands. The Delhi Police on June 15 had submitted before the court the chargesheet after conducting a probe into allegations of sexual harassment (against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh), on the basis of an FIR filed by six women wrestlers. Now, the fight will continue in court and not on roads till justice is delivered,” the tweet posted by the three top grapplers read.
They further said that they will wait for fresh WFI elections which is scheduled to take place on July 11 as promised by the government.
“The process for fresh Wrestling Federation of India election has begun. The polls are scheduled to be held on July 11 as promised by the government. We will wait for the implementation of the promise,” the wrestlers said. Since the beginning of the year, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat have been organising rallies against Singh for alleged sexual harassment.
After being removed from their Jantar Mantar protest site on May 28, the grapplers suspended their demonstration till June 15 after Union sports minister Anurag Thakur informed them that a chargesheet will be filed against BJP MP Singh.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has moved the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections from July 6 to July 11. The election of WFI executive committee members will take place. According to an IOA letter, the incumbents of the positions of president, senior vice president, four vice presidents, secretary general and treasurer, two joint secretaries, and five executive members will be decided.
The deadline for submitting names for the electoral college is June 25 at 5:00 p.m. Each state/union territory will submit two nominees. According to the letter, all state/UT wrestling federations will nominate two members of their respective executive bodies to constitute the electoral collage for the election to elect the WFI’s executive committee.
On June 28, the electoral college will be prepared and displayed, distributed to affiliates, and published on the IOA/WFI websites.
Nominations for election will be accepted from June 29 to July 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The preparation and display of nominations received by returning officers will be completed by 1 p.m. on July 3. “The scrutiny of nomination papers will be done on July 4 by 11 AM. The submission of the notice of withdrawal of candidates will be done between July 4 to July 7, till 5 PM. On July 8, a final list of candidates will be made by 11 AM,” the letter added.
Polling will be done on July 11 from 11 AM to 1:20 PM. The counting of votes will start from 1:30 PM and results will be declared on the same day.

Delhi Police files cancellation report in minor wrestler’s case; next hearing on 4 July

June 15, 2023, 1:34 pm

In the minor’s case in the FIR against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Delhi Police has submitted a cancellation report in Delhi Patiala House Court. The case’s next hearing is scheduled for 4 July. When no supporting evidence is discovered, a cancellation report is produced. “We have submitted the POCSO case’s final report. The next hearing is scheduled on 4 July, according to Special Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava.

The father of a minor wrestler claimed to have “corrected” his previous statement regarding Brij Bhushan Singh’s case and that he had made a false complaint against the bhushan “out of anger” last week, according to media reports. The father of the minor had reportedly admitted to being “under a lot of pressure” and that the entire family was “in depression,” according to Olympian Bajrang Punia , who made this claim later. He had stated that the wrestlers will stage a larger protest if the government did not file the chargesheet in the complaint by 15 June as promised.

Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik meet union minister after midnight initiation

June 7, 2023, 11:50 am

Wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia arrived at Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur’s residence on Wednesday, hours after he invited them to ‘discuss their concerns’ late at night. Wrestlers have demanded that Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh be arrested on charges of sexual harassment and intimidation.

Thakur took to his official Twitter handle and wrote shortly after midnight on Wednesday that “The government is willing to have a discussion with wrestlers on their issues. I have once again invited the wrestlers for the same.”

Thakur’s invitation comes just days after the wrestlers met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the allegations against Brij Bhushan, a Bharatiya Janata Party MP. The wrestlers met Shah at his home last week but expressed dissatisfaction; Punia told reporters that the protesters were “not happy with the government’s response.”

He furthermore said that he wanted to know why Brij Bhushan had not yet been arrested, despite the fact that Delhi Police had filed two FIRs against him only after the Supreme Court intervened, and he warned Shah that the wrestlers would not back down.

Punia later told reporters that he had been told not to reveal that the wrestlers had met with Amit Shah, but he chose to do so anyway.

Rumor’s debunk: Wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia withdrawal from protest

June 5, 2023, 4:44 pm

Top wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia denied media reports that they had withdrawn from the ongoing protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexually harassing several female grapplers.

“This news is completely wrong. In the fight for justice, none of us has backed down, nor will we. Along with Satyagraha, I am fulfilling my responsibility in Railways. Our fight continues till justice is served. Please don’t spread any wrong news,” Malik tweeted sharing a screenshot of a news report from a news channel.

https://twitter.com/SakshiMalik/status/1665645066105544705

“The news of withdrawing the movement is just a rumour. These news are being spread to harm us. We have neither retreated nor have we withdrawn the movement. The news of women wrestlers raising FIR is also false. The fight will continue till justice is served,” Punia tweeted.

Malik, Punia, and Vinesh Phogat, who were evicted from their Jantar Mantar protest site on May 28, have returned to work for Indian Railways. According to Northern Railways headquarters, Malik joined her Baroda House office in New Delhi on May 31, a day after the high drama in Haridwar, where the trio stopped short of immersing their international medals in the Ganga due to a late intervention by Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Naresh Tikait.

Malik authorized the conduct of Railways inter-divisional championships in cricket (men), badminton (men), weightlifting, basketball (men), volleyball (men), kabaddi (men), wrestling, boxing (men), athletics (men), and hockey (men) in a letter dated May 31.

Tell me where to come to get shot, Bajrang Punia dares ex-IPS officer

May 29, 2023, 1:36 pm

On Monday, ace wrestler Bajrang Punia and former Kerala director general of police (DGP) NC Asthana engaged in a heated online debate after the latter threatened to shoot protesting grapplers if necessary. Punia responded to Asthana’s tweet by saying he was willing to take bullets in the chest.

The spat erupted after chaotic scenes at the Jantar Mantar dharna site, just 3 kilometers from the new Parliament building inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, as protesters and police officers shoved and pushed each other when the Phogat sisters, Sakshi Malik, and others attempted to breach the barricades.

After the wrestlers and other protesters were pushed into buses and taken to different locations, police began clearing the protest site by removing cots, mattresses, coolers, fans, and the tarpaulin ceiling, as well as other wrestlers’ belongings.

Later that night, while retweeting a news report, Asthana wrote in Hindi, “Will even shoot if necessary. But not because of you are saying. Right now, they have just been dragged and thrown away like a sack of garbage. Article 129 gives the police the right to shoot. Under proper circumstances, that wish will also be fulfilled too. But to know that it is necessary to be educated. See you again at the postmortem table!”

In another tweet, the former DGP stated that, “Some fools doubt the right of the police to shoot. If you can read English, then read the decision of the Supreme Court in Akhilesh Prasad’s case. Those illiterate who cannot read, it is good advice not to test this right. Wives will be widowed and children orphaned without any reason! stay fit.”

https://twitter.com/NcAsthana/status/1662857287265054721

Punia, one of India’s top grapplers who are demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who allegedly sexually harassed female wrestlers, appeared to be upset by the former IPS officer’s tweet.

“This IPS officer is talking about shooting us. Brother, I am standing in front here. Tell me where to come to get shot… I swear that I will not show my back, I will take your bullet on my chest. This is what has remained, now it is right to do with us,” Punia tweeted.

ये IPS ऑफिसर हमें गोली मारने की बात कर रहा है। भाई सामने खड़े हैं, बता कहाँ आना है गोली खाने… क़सम है पीठ नहीं दिखाएँगे, सीने पे खाएँगे तेरी गोली। यो ही रह गया है अब हमारे साथ करना तो यो भी सही। https://t.co/jgZofGj5QC

— Bajrang Punia ?? (@BajrangPunia) May 29, 2023

They forcefully dragged us inside bus: Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik

May 29, 2023, 1:09 pm

India’s Olympic medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik, along with fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sangeeta Phogat, were detained by Delhi Police when they attempted to march to the new Parliament building for a demonstration on Sunday. The wrestlers planned to protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan, who has been accused of sexually harassing women wrestlers. Seven women wrestlers have filed a police complaint against him.

Sakshi Malik said, stating that they were peacefully marching and trying to convey their message when they were forcefully dragged onto a bus by the police. She emphasized that they did not engage in any acts of rioting, damage public property, or disrupt the peace. The wrestlers were released by 6 pm in the evening after being detained.

Sakshi Malik also criticized the circulation of morphed photos showing Vinesh Phogat and Sangeeta Phogat smiling inside a vehicle after being pushed onto the bus, highlighting that the situation was misrepresented. The wrestlers had intended to hold a women’s Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament to address the issue of women’s dignity and the allegations against the WFI president. However, the security personnel stopped their march to ensure the smooth conduct of the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building.

‘Democracy being killed, Mahapanchayat will definitely happen’ says Bajrang Punia

May 28, 2023, 1:00 pm

Star wrestler Bajrang Punia has announced that the Mahila Mahapanchayat, a gathering of women, will be organized in front of the newly inaugurated Parliament building, amid the ongoing wrestler protest in the national capital. Wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshee Mallik, have been demonstrating at Jantar Mantar, accusing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of sexual harassment and demanding his arrest. However, security personnel detained the protesting wrestlers as they attempted to march towards the new Parliament from their protest site at Jantar Mantar.

“Democracy is being killed in the country, no one is getting the justice they deserve”, Bajrang Punia told reporters ahead of the protesting wrestlers’ march towards the new Parliament building.Punia said, “Many people are very cooperative with us but there are few police officials who are misbehaving with us, they are not allowing our family members to go inside.”

Bajrang Punia confirmed that the Mahapanchayat will indeed take place despite the obstacles faced by the protesting wrestlers. He mentioned that they have submitted a letter seeking permission for the gathering, but accused the police of intentionally pressuring and misleading them. Although he did not explicitly mention Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Punia criticized the accused individual for freely roaming and attempting to undermine the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act while the peaceful protesters face mistreatment.

Punia also claimed that approximately 2,500 people have been detained by the police, and they are targeting not only the wrestlers but also the coaches, players, and leaders of Kisan Union and Khap Panchayat in various states such as Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.In response to the wrestlers’ plan for a women’s Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament building in the national capital, Delhi Police have heightened security measures throughout the city.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia vows to fight for India’s pride

May 7, 2023, 3:53 pm

As farmers from several states marched into the national capital to show solidarity with protesting wrestlers there, star wrestler and Olympian Bjarang Punia said there was a fight for “country dignity.”

Speaking to the media persons at the protest site near the Jantar Mantar, Punia said, “We will protest as long as we don’t get justice. This is the fight for the respect and dignity of our country’s daughters and mothers, and also for the dignity of the country.”

“We are thankful to people who are coming here to extend their support. To those who are coming here to express solidarity with us, I would say, please ensure peace,” Punia said.

The Olympic bronze medalist also urged the police administration not to trouble or harass those who were visiting the site to stand with the protesting wrestlers.

“We are receiving support from the whole country.” “People from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Indore are arriving here to stand with us,” he said.

Brinda Karat asked to step down from the stage during Wrestlers’ Protest

January 19, 2023, 3:52 pm

Senior Communist Party of India leader Brinda Karat arrived to express her solidarity and joining the protest of wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India was asked to step down from the stage. The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Olympian Bajrang Punia asked her to get down from the stage.

“Please do not make this into a political issue,” said Punia who was addressing the wrestlers after interrupting his speech. Wrestlers have been sitting on a protest from yesterday against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief and other officials alleging several grapplers have been sexually exploited for several years. “If we can fight for our country, then we can also fight for our rights”, said Punia.

The protest began on 17^th January, shortly after Commonwealth Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat alleged that the WFI President and other officials had been sexually exploiting the wrestlers for years. Other prominent wrestlers including Sakshi Malik are supporting Phogat and gathered for the protest.

“We wish that someday if any child comes in wrestling then he should not practice under some pressure”, Punia added. Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) CHAIRPERSON Swat Maliwal issues a notice to Delhi police and Union Sports ministry on the matter.

Ace wrestler Babita Phogat meets protesting wrestlers as center’s messenger

January 19, 2023, 2:07 pm

Champion wrestler and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Babita Phogat met with protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Thursday.

Meanwhile, wrestlers sitting in the protest are demanding action against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief for exploiting several athletes.

Addressing the gathering, Babita Phogat said, “I have assured them that the government is with them. I will try that their issues are resolved today.”

Earlier, the Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Department and a former wrestler tweeted, “I stand with all my fellow players in this matter of wrestling. I assure all of you that I will work to raise this issue with the government at every level, and the future will be decided the way players feel right.”

“Babita Phogat has come from the government’s side for mediation. We will speak with her and then give more details,” Olympian and 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Bajrang Punia said.

Moreover, on the day of the protest, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Punia were sitting in silent protest.

“If we can fight for our country, then we can also fight for our rights. First of all, I thank all the players who have come here. And the statement that was given yesterday said that only 3 percent of players are sitting here, but according to me, all the players are here. You can imagine how strong the players are. And we raised our voice for our rights and are not going to bow down when we do not win,” Punia said.

“We wish that someday, if any child comes to wrestling, he should not practice under some pressure,” Punia stated.

Earlier on Wednesday, wrestler Vinesh Phogat alleged that coaches who are favorites of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) harass the women.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat also accused the wrestling federation chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of calling her ‘khota sikka’ and sexually harassing girls.

“Coaches are harassing women and some coaches, who are favorites of the Federation, misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls. The WFI president has sexually harassed many girls,” Phogat alleged.

However, a Lok Sabha MP from the BJP, Brij Bushan Singh, is heading the Wrestling Federation of India.

Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat stages protest against Wrestling Federation of India

January 18, 2023, 5:45 pm

Commonwealth Games gold medalist Bajrang Punia on Wednesday said the ongoing dictatorship by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in the sport will not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and others protested at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, alleging “harassment of wrestlers by WFI through its arbitrary rules and regulations.”

Talking to the media 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Punia said, “Wrestlers don’t want to tolerate the ongoing dictatorship. We’ll hold a press conference b/w 3-4 pm and reveal everything there.”

Moreover, against the arrogance of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Olympic medalists Sakshee Malikkh and Bajrang Punia were among the Indian wrestlers who protested.

However, Vinesh Phogat, who is also the first Indian woman wrestler to win the gold medal at both the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, said, “The player wants self-respect and prepares for the Olympics and big games with full vigor, but if the federation does not support them, the morale breaks down. But now we will not bow down. Will fight for our rights.”

Furthermore, the reason for the protest is that the Federation required all wrestlers, regardless of their position, to appear in trials.

“Sportspersons work hard to win medals for the country, but the Federation has done nothing but let us down. Players are being harassed by imposing arbitrary laws,” Sakshi Malik tweeted.