Wrestlers' Protest Day 3: Brij Bhushan to step aside from WFI, says Sports Minister

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur announces WFI President Brij Bhushan Singh will step aside and assist in investigation

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formed a seven-member committee to probe the allegations against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Members of the committee include Mary Kom, Dola Banerjee, Alaknanda Ashok, Yogeshwar Dutt, Sahdev Yadav, and two advocates.

DCW Chief Swati Maliwal took to social media to back the wrestlers in their ongoing protest against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. 

WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was slated to speak to the media on Friday but he decided to duck the questions and has now rescheduled the press conference for later this week. His son spoke to the media and informed about the same. 

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's son told the media that the WFI chief will answer all questions on January 22.

The wrestlers have arrived at Sports Minister Anurag Thakur's residence in Delhi.

Wrestlers protesting against WFI arrive at the residence of Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/W5ADMPZTLR

— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2023

The protesting wrestlers have left Jantar Mantar after the protest. They will now meet the Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur at his residence for further discussions. Sources report that WFI will take action on wrestlers not present at the Gonda camp. 

The protesting wrestlers will meet the Sports Ministry at 6:00 PM IST.

According to sources, the WFI is set to take action against the wrestlers not present at the Gonda camp.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, before meeting with sports minister at 6 pm, says that they want assurances on all fronts 

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat says that they will make WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh resign.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat says the battle against WFI 'is a battle of dignity.' 

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat questions government on inaction against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

DCW chief Swati Maliwal took to her official Twitter handle on Friday and said, “It's been 72 hours since the wrestlers' strike!”. She continued to note down a few key questions related to the ongoing protest. 

“Why the resignation of the WFI President has not been asked yet? Why FIR is not being registered to investigate the allegations of sexual abuse? Why is the Sports Minister not getting the players to end their strike? How long will the pride of such a country sit on the streets?” Maliwal added.

The protesting wrestlers have been called for a meeting with the Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur in his residence, at 6 PM on Friday.

In reply to the wrestlers’ letter on Friday, the IOA called for an urgent online meeting of the IOA Executive Council at 5:45 PM IST on January 20.

As per PTI, WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh will address a press conference at the Nandini Nagar Stadium in Gonda later in the evening. The report also says that the Wrestling Federation of India boss has refused to resign from his position.

Indian boxer Vijender Singh joined the wrestlers’ protest on Friday.

Boxer Vijender Singh joins wrestlers' protest against the Wrestling Federation of India, at Jantar Mantar in Delhi

"I've come here to meet the wrestlers today," he says. pic.twitter.com/qUXBK0Oc0o

— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2023

Speaking to reporters on Day 3 of the ongoing protests in Jantar Mantar, Bajrang Punia revealed why Brinda Karat was asked to step down from the stage on Thursday. "We are upset as well because our athletes are sitting here and their training is getting hampered. We have laid down our demands in front of the government and they have assured us that they will be fulfilled as soon as possible. If our demands are met, we will end our protest.  And I would like to inform you that there is no politics here. We don't want to call any politician. And it is our humble request to whoever comes, please don't come on stage. Because this fight belongs to us athletes. Our fight is not against any government, it is only against the federation," Punia said.

"Not associated with any political party"

"We are not going to tolerate any injustice toward our athletes. We too don't want to do any demonstrations. We want to train because it is an important year for us athletes. We have two big events this year - the Olympic qualifiers and Asian Games. Top athletes from India are sitting here so I don't think it should take a long time to resolve the matter. We have expectations from the government because the honourable Prime Minister has always respected and supported athletes. It is our humble request to Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Sports Minister to fulfill our demands as soon as possible. I would like to say again that we are not associated with any political party. We fight for the country so we can fight for our rights as well," he added.

Wrestlers mount pressure on the government to act quickly on removing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as WFI president.

Protesting wresters decide to boycott WFI event in Ayodhya.

#SackBrijbhushan | Protesting Haryana wrestlers to boycott Ayodhya tournament.

Tune in - https://t.co/HbKDYgaNDs pic.twitter.com/D89TpIG0RQ

— Republic (@republic) January 20, 2023

Further speaking on the matter, Punia added, "We're waiting for Brijbhushan Sharan Singh to come forward. We're here by risking our careers. This fight is for our young wrestlers who're the future of wrestling". 

As reported by ANI, Olympian wrestler Bajrang Punia said, “We're sad that the athletes have to sit here in protest leaving their practice. Our fight is only against the Wrestling Federation of India. We appeal to PM, HM & Union Sports min to hear our demands. WFI Preshas given this fight a political turn”.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, Olympics bronze medallist Vijender Singh sough justice for the protesting wrestlers. “I want justice to be served to those wrestlers, there must be a thorough probe into the allegations raised by wrestlers and there must be a CBI probe against those who’re involved in this,” the Olympian Boxer said.

"There must be a live recording of the interaction between the Union Sports minister or any official with the wrestlers so that we will get to know exactly what they’ve discussed & will understand who is wrong & who is right," the boxer added.

On being confronted about the sexual harassment allegations labeled against him, WFI boss Brij Bhusan Sharan Singh said, “Stay arrangements are made by organizers&each country's team is kept at a separate place.The (woman)wrestler who alleged that the door was open was not in that tournament”.

Earlier on Thursday, it was alleged that the WFI chief stayed in the same hotel as the athletes in Bulgaria. 

“I am not sitting here because of anyone's mercy, but after being elected by the public,” he added, as per ANI.

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshee Malikkh, Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia have written to the President of the Indian Olympic Association PT Usha on the alleged sexual harassment complaints against the WFI chief. Here's a look at the letter.

@PMOIndia @AmitShah @ianuragthakur @PTUshaOfficial pic.twitter.com/PwhJjlawPg

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) January 20, 2023

The protesting Indian wrestlers write to IOA chief PT Usha over alleged sexual harassment by the WFI boss Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Watch Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh being confronted by reporters - 

#SackBrijBhushan | WFI chief Brij Bhushan confronted; says 'I've not spoken to anyone; I've no questions or answers; I'll do a press conference'; Tune in #LIVE here - https://t.co/HbKDYgaNDs pic.twitter.com/v9mpQK524y

— Republic (@republic) January 20, 2023

WFI boss Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was confronted by reporters about the ongoing wrestlers' protest on Friday. "I've not spoken to anyone; I've no questions or answers; I'll do a press conference," the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President replied.

Republic reports from Chhatrasal Stadium where some wrestlers were seen practising. One of the wrestlers said, "This is very unfortunate. The thing which is really saddening is women wrestlers facing issues like sexual harassment. If WFI President is found guilty he should be removed and amendments should be made in the federations"

The meeting between Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and protesting wrestlers which was scheduled to happen today has been postponed. Meanwhile, dissatisfied wrestlers are going to address a conference today morning. 

Dissatisfied wrestlers to hold a press briefing at 9 am after no conclusion was made post marathon meet with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur last night.

Star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia publically called out the Wrestling Federation Of India and even went on to demand the boycott of its president, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. In a tweet stating to boycott WFI president, Punia said, "The job of the federation is to support the players, take care of their sporting needs. If there is a problem, it has to be solved. But what if the federation itself creates the problem? Now we have to fight, we will not back down."

Olympic bronze medalist, Asian Games, and CWG gold medallist expressed his unhappiness with the conduct of the Wrestling Federation Of India and said that players are being harassed by imposing arbitrary laws. The wrestler also tagged PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in his tweet. 

During the protest at Jantar Mantar, Punia said to ANI,  "Wrestlers don't want to tolerate the ongoing dictatorship. We'll hold a press conference b/w 3-4pm revealing everything there".

Indian Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia along with top wrestlers of the country are currently staging protest against the WFI president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Speaking to reporters, Punia and other wrestlers levelled some serious allegations against the WFI chief, saying that he mentally harasses players and also sexually exploits them. The wrestlers want the WFI president removed from the top post and also want new coaches and physios for future training. 

"People sitting in the federation know nothing about wrestling. We want changes in the federation. We will protest till the WFI president is removed. PM Modi has always supported us and we know that he and Home Minister Amit Shah will help us. We don't want houses or fancy cars, we only want things related to wrestling. Our demand is that we want new coaches and physios," Punia said. 

"I was mentally tortured by the federation and wrestling president. I was thinking of committing suicide at one stage due to the pressure being put on me by the federation and WFI president. I went to the Tokyo Olympics with four girls but we were not provided any physio instead the WFI assistant secretary went with us. Everyone knows how powerful he [Brijbhushan Sharan Singh] is. He is a four-time MP. Whenever we try and complain, they give us death threats. They mentally torture us and impose disciplinary sanctions on me without any reason," Phogat said. 

"WFI president indulges in sexual molestation of female players and coaches. I am saying this now, but I don't know if I will be alive tomorrow. Some of the female wrestlers sitting here have also experienced molestation. We are not fighting for ourselves, we are fighting to save wrestling. He interferes in our personal lives and wants to know who our boyfriend or girlfriend is. He keeps asking about our marriage and other personal stuff," she added. 

Vinesh Phogat accused the WFI president of mentally harassing her and torturing her during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Phogat's allegations did not end there as she also went on to state that the WFI president has sexually exploited many girls in the past. 

"WFI president indulges in sexual molestation of female players and coaches. I am saying this now, but I don't know if I will be alive tomorrow. Some of the female wrestlers sitting here have also experienced molestation. We are not fighting for ourselves, we are fighting to save wrestling. He interferes in our personal lives and wants to know who our boyfriend or girlfriend is. He keeps asking about our marriage and other personal stuff," Phogat said. 

The Wrestling Federation Of India issued its first response to the wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar. Speaking to ANI, the Assistant Secretary of WFI said once the players come to us for discussion all their issues and problems will be sorted.

“Don't know what this is about. Through the letter to the WFI president, it came to be known that some wrestlers are sitting in protest. I have come to ask them about their problem", Vinod Tomar said to ANI. Once they come to the Federation, all the issues will be resolved and sorted out. They haven't told me yet what the issue is. No such issues were raised with me or the Federation so far", Tomar added. 

After top Indian wrestlers made grave accusations against the President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said that it was a 'big controversy'. Addressing the media, the Member of Parliament said that a big personality was involved in this conspiracy, as a part of which he was accused of sexual harassment by Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik. 

"These players, who till yesterday could not stop singing praises in my name...Ask any of these players, go to their village and ask. Their parents of the players who used to come with them, I used to specifically honour them. I used to tell the country, 'look, her grandmother has brought her...'" he said while addressing the media. 

When asked about Sexual harassment charges, Brij Bhushan said, "Sexual harassment is a big allegation. How can I take action when my own name has been dragged into this? I am ready for an investigation. There has been no incident of sexual harassment. If such a thing has happened, then I will hang myself," he further said to the reporters. 

Giving a fresh spin to the country's top wrestlers' protest, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said that the issues emerged when the new rules and regulations were brought in. 

"Did they have no problems with the Federation for the past ten years? Issues emerge when new rules and regulations are brought in," Singh said.

He said that the wrestlers who are sitting in protest have not contested any national tournament after the Olympics. "We told them to, asked the government to cover their costs, and added their names to the camp," Singh said.

In a huge embarrassment for the placard lobby, Communist Party leader Brinda Karat on Thursday visited Jantar Mantar to meet the protesting wrestlers but was denied entry by champions, who asked her to abstain from making their issue a political agenda. Karat para dropped to the protest site with the intention to attack the government on the matter but was shown the door by protesting wrestlers. Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia, who is leading the protest, asked Karat not to politicise their fight. 

A video of wrestlers denying entry to Karat is now going viral on social media platforms. In the video, the wrestlers can be seen stopping Karat from coming on stage with Punia requesting her not to make their issue a political agenda. Some wrestlers can also be heard chanting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' with Karat present at the site. The opportunistic left leaders came with the intention to hijack the wrestler's protest but were shown the door by India's champions.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar asserted that this is a grave issue and such incidents demotivate our female sportspersons. Speaking to media persons, Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar said, "This is a serious issue and we have noted every allegation of our wrestlers. Incidents like this demotivate our sportspersons and I believe the Sports Ministry will take cognizance of this issue and act accordingly. For us, the security of our female sportspersons is very important." 

He further asserted that the Haryana government did not receive any complaints regarding the issue earlier. He said that he was informed about the protest staged by wrestlers on Wednesday.

The wrestlers who are staging a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to demand a complete overhaul of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) held a meeting with the officials of the Union Sports Ministry on Thursday. According to sources in the ministry, it has been decided that the wrestlers will be getting new coaches and physios after the formation of the new federation, which is likely to happen after the investigation into the matter is over. 

The wrestlers have also been promised that their primary training centre will be shifted from Lucknow to Delhi as they were uncomfortable going to a place that is the home turf of WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Earlier, the wrestlers claimed that Brij Bhushan Singh uses his clout in Lucknow to mentally harass them and to ensure they remain under his control. The wrestlers will also be given financial support after the new federation is formed. 

In the latest development, the sports ministry has issued a 24-hour deadline to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President to quit from his post. Following the meeting with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, it is understood that WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been asked to quit within 24 hours or be sacked. The sports ministry has agreed to a complete overhaul of the WFI.

The Sports Minister asked the wrestlers to wait for 72 hours for the WFI to reply to Government of India's notice. Anurag Thakur also assured them of a probe into the claims made by the wrestlers. 

Here's what happened during the Sports Minister and wrestlers' meeting

• The wrestlers informed Sports Minister Anurag Thakur that they were harassed, mentally tortured by the WFI President and his associates.
• It was also revealed that they received death threats from the Federation
• The Sports Ministry agreed to wrestlers' demand of appointing new coaches and physiotherapists 
• It was also agreed that wrestling training centres are going to be shifted from Lucknow to Delhi

Sources have also confirmed that wrestlers informed the Sports Minister that the only motive behind the protest was the welfare of the wrestling communityand there was no other motive behind it.

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has finally issued his first response to the ongoing tussle between the country's top wrestlers and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). He stated that the Government of India has sent a notice to WFI and has sought a response within 72 hours. Speaking to ANI in Chandigarh, Thakur said he will try and meet the wrestlers in person after he reaches Delhi. Thakur went on to add that they will talk to the wrestlers and listen to them.     

"Allegations levelled by wrestlers are serious in nature. Taking swift action, Govt of India sent a notice to WFI and sought a reply within 72 hours. I will try to meet the wrestlers after I reach Delhi. We will talk and listen to them," Thakur was quoted as saying in Chandigarh by the news agency ANI. 

Deadlock continues after a marathon meeting between Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and top Indian wrestlers. Two rounds of meetings have been called again on Friday- one in the morning and another late evening. All eyes are on WFI which will submit a report on sexual exploitation and intimidation allegations against its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and a few coaches.

On Thursday, the meeting between the wrestlers and Thakur went on for four hours. Sources inform that the meeting was in a good environment, and wrestlers discussed each and every concern. Anurag Thakur heard all the concerns patiently and talks took place in multiple rounds, sources informed Republic TV. The WFI is likely to submit the report by 3 pm.

Three major changes are expected on Friday

• Training centres will be shifted from Lucknow to Delhi
• Eight coaches are being changed 
• Physios and admin changes agreed upon

The Union Minister has requested the wrestlers to stop the protests and get back to practice now as Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been asked to resign within 24 hours