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IOA President PT Usha Supports Vinesh Phogat, WFI Appeals Disqualification

August 7, 2024, 5:48 pm

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed shock and disappointment on Wednesday at wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the 50kg final at the Paris Olympics. She confirmed that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has filed an appeal with United World Wrestling (UWW) to reconsider the decision. Usha assured that the IOA and the government are providing Phogat with complete support.

Phogat was scheduled to face the United States’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold medal match on Wednesday. “I am shocked and disappointed at the disqualification of Vinesh from the Olympic Games Women’s Wrestling 50kg class competition. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Polyclinic and assured her of the complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the whole country. We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support,” PT Usha said in a video released by the IOA.

“The Wrestling Federation of India has filed an appeal to UWW to reconsider the decision to disqualify Vinesh, and the IOA is following that up in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless efforts made by Vinesh, the medical team led by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, and the Chef-de-Mission Gagan Narang throughout the night to ensure that she could meet the competition requirements. The IOA is taking every step to ensure that the morale of the contingent remains high. We are sure all Indians will stand with Vinesh and the entire Indian contingent,” she added.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala explained that Phogat was found to be 100 grams over her 50kg weight category. He detailed the usual process of weight management and mentioned that Phogat’s nutritionist had calculated a 1.5 kg weight cut. Despite efforts, including drastic measures like cutting her hair, Phogat was 100 grams over the limit and thus disqualified.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated in Lok Sabha that the IOA had lodged a strong protest with UWW. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with PT Usha, urging her to take necessary action. Mandaviya listed the government’s support measures for Phogat, including providing her with personal staff. “Today her weight was found to be 50 kg 100 grams, and she was disqualified. The Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong protest with United World Wrestling (UWW). IOA President PT Usha is in Paris, and the Prime Minister spoke to her and asked her to take necessary action,” the minister said.

A statement from the Indian Olympic contingent mentioned that Phogat had tipped the scales slightly over the 50kg mark and was disqualified. “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand,” the statement read.

Phogat had advanced to the Olympic final after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night. In a disappointing turn of events for India, wrestler Antim Panghal also lost her round of 16 bout to her Turkish opponent, capping off a challenging day for Indian wrestling.

I have taken retirement from wrestling, Brij Bhushan reacts to suspension of newly elected committee

December 24, 2023, 6:14 pm

After the Union Sports Ministry decided to suspend the country’s premier sports governing body, the newly elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), along with all of its office-bearers on Sunday, BJP MP and former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh declared that he has “retired” from the sport and has “nothing to do with it.” The announcement by Sanjay Singh, the recently elected president of WFI, that Nandini Nagar in the Gond district of Uttar Pradesh will host the U-15 and U-20 national teams by the end of the year closely followed the Sports Ministry’s decision.

After the Union Sports Ministry suspended the newly elected body of WFI, former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh gave his first reaction to the verdict and said, “The elections were held in a democratic way on the direction of the Supreme Court and the body was formed. Now it’s their (federation members) decision if they wish to talk to the government or take the legal course of action. I have nothing to do with this.”
“Sanjay Singh is not my relative. The announcement to hold U-15 and U-20 nationals in Nandini Nagar was to ensure sports events should resume. It was held in Nandini Nagar because all federations stated that they wouldn’t be able to make preparations for the tournament in four to five days. I have worked 12 years for the wrestlers. Time will tell if I have done justice. I have broken my ties with wrestling. Now decisions and talks with the government will be done by the elected people of the federation. I have retired from wrestling,” Brij Bhushan added.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Singh skirted comments on the Centre’s decision, telling reporters, “I was on a flight. I don’t know the details and have not received any letter yet. I will make a public statement only after going through the letter. I have heard that some decisions have been reversed.”

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.

Wrestler sexual harassment case: Delhi police files written submissions against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

December 6, 2023, 6:06 pm

In the sexual harassment case against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Delhi police on Wednesday submitted their written responses to the charges. The phase of this case is the framing of charges. This is in reference to the six female wrestlers who have accused Singh of sexual harassment. December 20, 2023, saw the matter listed for clarification regarding the framing of charges by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM). Arguments regarding allegations of sexual harassment against former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh are currently being heard by the court.

Delhi police have submitted that as per statements of the witnesses/victims, they were molested at different places including abroad as well as at different parts of India including a place which falls within the jurisdiction of PS Connaught Place.
On November 28, Complainant women wrestlers filed written submissions on framing of charges against MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case.
Earlier, the accused- Singh had already filed his written submissions on the last date. On October 30, the court had pulled up the counsel appearing to repeat the arguments on charges.
ACMM had asked the counsels for all the parties to file written submissions. On a lighter side, the judge had referred to an old English saying, “When not able to clarify, just confuse.”

“You are confusing me, Mr Counsel”, he pointed out towards the defence counsel.
ACMM Jaspal had said in the order that After hearing the arguments for a while this court encourages the three counsels for parties to file a written compilation of arguments. So that the arguments can be concluded in a systematic manner.

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.

Delhi borders sealed, no protest near New Parliament on 28 May for Khap Panchayat

May 26, 2023, 4:04 pm

According to sources, the Delhi Police has made the decision to shut down all borders on 28 May in order to prevent any protest or gathering following the call by Khap Panchayat for a Mahila Panchayat in support of protesting wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This date coincides with the inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Top sources within the Delhi Police have revealed that the organizers of the Khap Panchayat have not received permission to hold the event. Consequently, the protestors will not be allowed to convene the panchayat, as it coincides with the inauguration of the new Parliament by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In anticipation of the inauguration, the Delhi Police has initiated special arrangements to maintain a disturbance-free environment. To this end, it has been reported that all roads leading from Jantar Mantar to the Parliament will be closed on 28 May.

Apart from this, a large number of police forces and para-military personnel will also be deployed. The deployment of women police personnel will be higher than before.
Delhi Police top sources told that more than 20 police companies will be deployed in New Delhi, which will include more than 10 women companies.Sources further said that the metro stations near the Parliament will remain closed on May 28. A letter has been sent to Delhi Metro directing the closure of two metro stations.Senior officials of Delhi Police told that farmers from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana may try to enter the national capital during this period. Around 90 khaps with around 3,000 people can enter Delhi.After a high-level meeting, sources said that Delhi Police officials that all the borders of Delhi – Singhu border, Dilshad Garden border, Badarpur border and Tikri border will be barricaded. Besides police, paramilitary forces will also be deployed at the borders.

Delhi Police team to collect evidence against WFI president Brij Bhushan

May 12, 2023, 4:09 pm

On the complaint of the protesting wrestlers, a Delhi Police team went to Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Haryana to collect all the evidence against Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Several women wrestlers came out against the WFI chief, accusing him of sexual harassment. The protesting grapplers continue to camp outside the Jantar Mantar in the national capital, demanding the arrest of Singh, a BJP MP, and his removal from the wrestling federation. Delhi Police are also in touch with foreign agencies to find out more about the allegations he faced on his overseas visits. The police they have collected photos and videos as evidence from different places.

Delhi Police on Friday filed a status report on the application moved by woman wrestlers in an alleged offence of sexual offence levelled against WFI Chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The court was also informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the matter.

Delhi Police filed two FIRs on April 28 following the notice by the Supreme Court. Earlier this year, prominent wrestlers came forward to lead a protest against the WFI chief, following which the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, announced the formation of an ‘oversight committee’ to probe allegations against the WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and some coaches. Wrestling Federation of India Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar is also named as an accused in the FIR.

Brij Bhushan has denied the allegations levelled against him by the wrestlers.
On April 23, ace grapplers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Mallik returned to the protest site at Jantar Mantar, claiming that six women wrestlers, and a minor, filed a sexual harassment complaint against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Connaught Place Police Station but Delhi Police did not register an FIR.

The protesting grapplers also demanded that the Sports Ministry make public the findings of an Oversight Committee formed to look into the allegations against the WFI chief.
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday had sought a status report from the Delhi police on the investigation in the FIRs lodged by the wrestlers against WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleging sexual harassment.

Wrestlers Protests: Status Report filed and SIT formed & court ask to record statements

May 12, 2023, 2:25 pm

On Friday, Delhi police filed status report on women wrestler’s application in alleged sexual offence against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh.The court was also informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the matter.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjit Singh Jaspal heard the submissions of Additional public prosecutor (APP) Atul Shrivastava and Defence counsel. The court said that it shall decide upon the application once the statement before the court is recorded.Meanwhile, the status report may be kept in a sealed cover.APP Atul Srivastava submitted that a detailed reply has been filed on the application. An SIT has also been formed in the matter. The statement of one of the victims is to be recorded before the court today.

The court asked the Delhi police to record the statement of all the victims before the court. The matter has been listed on May 27 for further hearing.The Court asked the police to give a copy of the report to the Defence counsel.The APP Shrivastava submitted that the report should not be shared as this is a matter of Sexual harassment and it may hamper the investigation and may also disclose the identity of the victims.The report should not be shared with anyone due to the confidentiality and sensitivity of the matter.

The counsel for the victims argued that the public prosecutor is merely tryei6to hamper the victims’ rights and trying to veil the investigation.He also argued that the matter came to the notice of the police on April 21. The accused is disclosing the facts of the investigation in the media. How does he know what is happening in the investigation?
In the first part of the hearing The court had asked, ” Do You want an in camera proceeding?” The defence counsel replied in the affirmative.The counsel for the wrestlers submitted that the police is hiding what is happening in the investigation of our case.

Statement of WFI president Brij Bhushan recorded by Delhi Police

May 12, 2023, 12:57 pm

The SIT has been formed and Delhi police have recorded the statement of Wrestling Federation of India president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on the alleged sexual harassment case of female wrestlers.

“On the complaint of the wrestlers, the statement of WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was recorded and some documents were demanded. Brij Bhushan denied the allegations levelled against him. SIT has been formed with 10 police personnel including four women police officers. A team of ten people was formed under the supervision of a woman DCP,” said Delhi Police. Delhi Police filed two FIRs on April 28 following the notice by the Supreme Court.

Earlier this year, prominent wrestlers came forward to lead a protest against the WFI chief, following which the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur announced the formation of an ‘oversight committee’ to probe allegations against the WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and some coaches. The name of Wrestling Federation of India Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar is also accused in the FIR.

“Statements of Assistant Secretary WFI Vinod Tomar were also recorded. Vinod Tomar is also an accused in Delhi Police’s FIR. Brij Bhushan Sharan has asked to collect some video evidence and mobile data in his clarification. SIT will also interrogate Brij Bhushan further,” said Delhi Police.WFI president Brij Bhushan has denied the allegations levelled against him by wrestlers.On April 23 this year the ace grapplers- Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Mallik- returned to the protest site at Jantar Mantar, claiming that six women wrestlers, and a minor, filed a sexual harassment complaint against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Connaught Place Police Station but Delhi Police did not register an FIR.

Farmers break through Delhi Police barricades to join protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar

May 8, 2023, 1:55 pm

According to Delhi Police, farmers who came from different states to show support for the protesting farmers at Jantar Mantar in the national capital on Monday, breached the barricades set up in the area and reached the protest site.

Farmers from various parts of the country including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh reached the national capital under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha on Sunday to support the wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar for over two weeks against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, demanding his sacking and arrest following the allegations of sexual harassment by the wrestlers. The farmers who were escorted to Jantar Mantar were in a “hurry” to reach the protest site and hence “climbed” the barricades, the Delhi Police said.

“A group of farmers were escorted to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. At the entry barricades, they were in a hurry to reach the Dharna site in which some of them climbed the barricades which fell down and were removed by them. The protestors at Jantar Mantar are being facilitated. Entry is being regulated through DFMD to ensure safety. Please remain peaceful and abide by the law,” the Delhi Police said.

In the wake of the incident, the Delhi Police urged the public to remain peaceful and abide by the law.The protesting wrestlers have made it clear that they won’t move until they get justice and Brij Bhushan is removed as the WFI chief and put behind bars.
The wrestlers took out a candle march in Delhi on Sunday.

Security has been provided to wrestlers, including minor complainant: Delhi Police to SC

May 4, 2023, 3:56 pm

The Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that the wrestlers, including a juvenile complainant, had received the requisite security notwithstanding the continuing protest by professional wrestlers in the nation’s capital.

Top Indian wrestlers have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment while staging a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar since April 23. Following a complaint made to the Connaught Place police station on April 21 alleging that Brij Bhushan, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), had harassed and exploited seven female wrestlers, including one minor, top wrestlers are staging a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar.

Following a petition filed by wrestlers regarding their security, Delhi Police today told the Supreme Court that it has provided security to wrestlers.After observing the petition’s purpose has been served, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud closed the matter at this stage.Supreme Court noted that the purpose of the wrestlers’ petition has been served as an FIR was registered and security has been provided to wrestlers including a minor complainant.

The top court said, “We close the proceedings at this stage. Further petitioners can approach the magistrate or the High Court in its jurisdiction if they wish for something else.”

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta apprised the top court that proper security has been provided to the minor.Mehta apprised the apex court that Delhi Police carried out a threat assessment for other wrestlers and found no threat to others. Mehta said that however proper security was given to the other six wrestlers and three armed police officers have been deployed at Jantar Mantar.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve appeared for Brij Bhushan and apprised the court that his client has not been impleaded as a party in the matter and urged the court to be heard.
SG Tushar Mehta apprised SC that the investigation is ongoing and a sealed cover report has been filed.Further, he also informed the top court that the police have examined the complainants and a senior lady officer and her team are probing the matter.Wrestler’s counsel told Supreme Court that the accused is giving an interview and naming the complainants.

WFI President Brij Bhushan’s FIR would be filed, according to Delhi Police

April 28, 2023, 4:54 pm

On Friday, the Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that it had decided to file a FIR in response to the accusations made by wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Delhi Police’s Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the SC panel led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud that the FIR would be filed by this evening. Senior attorney Kapil Sibal, who appeared on behalf of the wrestlers, sought the court to also give orders to provide safety to a juvenile girl who is one of the petitioner wrestlers due to the threat to her. Sibal stated that he is concerned for the minor girl and other wrestlers’ safety.

SG Tushar Mehta said that all these concerns can be addressed by the police.
The top court directed Delhi police to make an adequate assessment of threat perception and provide security to minor girl, who is a gold medalist. The court also asked Delhi Police to file an affidavit mentioning steps taken to provide security to the minor girl. The court listed the matter for May 5.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued has notice to Delhi Police on a wrestlers’ plea seeking registration of FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan. The court has noted that there is a serious allegation that is contained in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India. The court had also clarified that the identity of the petitioners shall be redacted for the purpose of this petition.

The apex court’s direction came after Sibal along with another senior advocate Narendra Hooda pleaded for an urgent hearing on the wrestlers’ petition.
Sibal had apprised the SC that these are women wrestlers which include a minor.
Wrestlers have urged the top court to issue directions to Delhi police to lodge the FIR against Brij Bhushan as there is an inordinate delay in doing so.

WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was accused by the wrestlers of sexual misconduct and intimidation. The government established a five-member oversight council to oversee WFI operations. Boxer Mary Kom is heading the oversight committee which was formed to probe into the allegations levelled against the WFI and its chief Singh and other coaches.

On Monday, Delhi Police sought a report from the investigation committee set up by the Union Sports Ministry to investigate the allegations and has begun a probe into the fresh complaint by wrestlers.After a protest led by some prominent wrestlers of the country this January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formation of an ‘oversight committee’ to probe allegations levelled against the WFI and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches.

Preliminary enquiry needed before FIR : Delhi Police to SC against WFI chief

April 26, 2023, 12:45 pm

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Brij Bhushan Singh, was accused of sexual harassment, and Delhi Police said Wednesday before the Supreme Court that a preliminary investigation would be required before filing a FIR.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi Police, submitted before the Supreme Court that preliminary enquiry would be needed before lodging FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Delhi Police apprised the court that the police felt that there were some issues which needed preliminary enquiry. However, Delhi Police clarified that it has no hesitation to lodge FIR immediately if the court orders.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the matter is scheduled to be heard on Friday and the bench will look at the entire material.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued notice to Delhi Police on the wrestler’s plea seeking an urgent hearing on a petition seeking registration of FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan.The court noted that there are serious allegation that is contained in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India.

“The complaints which were being given in sealed cover shall again be resealed and placed under the petition,” the court had said. The court had also clarified that the identity of the petitioners should be redacted for the purpose of this petition.
The court direction came when Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the wrestler’s plea seeking an urgent hearing on a petition requesting registration of FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan.

Wrestler Bajrang purnia said, ‘Nothing has been done so far to resolve our issue’

April 23, 2023, 5:03 pm

Wrestlers are protesting again because nothing has been done to fix their grievances, claimed Ace India wrestler Bajrang Punia and the other wrestlers to safeguard wrestling.

‘We will sit at 4 pm and talk,’ said wrestler Bajrang Punia as he and several other wrestlers headed to Jantar Mantar. Ace India wrestler and Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia said on Sunday that the wrestlers will be holding a press conference at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and give details about the legal process in their dispute against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

“We are going to do a press conference at 4 pm on Jantar Mantar, we have moved forward now through a legal process and will brief everything there,” Bajrang told ANI.
Following the protest, in January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formation of an ‘oversight committee’ to probe allegations levelled against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches. The committee was given the task of submitting a report on the issue to the ministry.

Olympic medalist Mary Kom is heading the Oversight Committee. Former wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, former shuttler Trupti Murgunde, SAI member Radhica Sreeman, ex-CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Plan Rajesh Rajagopalan, and CWG gold medalist Babita Phogat are the other members of the Mary Kom-led committee.
But earlier in April, Punia had said that the wrestlers will go to court to protest against the report of the oversight committee appointed to investigate the matter and allegations put up by prominent Indian wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh.

Punia said, “I read an article in which one of the committee members said that the report has been submitted to the Sports ministry without his signatures. The member also expressed his/her disagreement with the report. If a committee member is not involved in report submission and disagrees with the report, how are we supposed to trust it?”
“We were not even informed that the report was submitted to the ministry,” he added.
Punia also said that WFI should make public the statements given by female wrestlers in a sting operation to a private TV channel if it feels it is innocent and also, people get to decide who is right or wrong.The wrestler said that they (wrestlers) will start protesting once again and will even go to the high court as soon as possible.
“We have to carry on with our sport, but we will protest and go to the high court as soon as possible,” said Punia.

Wrestlers Protest: Ace wrestlers to meet Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

January 20, 2023, 4:58 pm

Amid the ongoing protests by ace wrestlers at Jantar Mantar, wrestlers can reach Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur’s residence at 6 p.m. for the second round of the talk. Even after meeting with Union Minister Anurag Thakur at his residence on Thursday, wrestlers ended their meeting on an undecisive note on Friday morning and started their protest again on Jantar Mantar at 10 a.m. Earlier on Wednesday, wrestler Vinesh Phogat alleged that coaches who are favorites of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) harass the women.

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.