Govt did not promise any action': Wrestlers after meeting with ministry officials

The Union government did not promise any action and gave only assurance, said the wrestlers who have been protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and the federation, since yesterday at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

The wrestlers were addressing the media after meeting Union sports ministry officials in Shastri Bhawan.

Yesterday, world championship medallist and Olympian Vinesh Phogat had accused WFI president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually exploiting women wrestlers for several years and sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for his removal.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia said that “5-6 women wrestlers have come forward with evidence” to prove the allegations made by the wrestlers against Singh and the federation.

Punia said that they would not end their protest until Singh resigns and action is taken against him. Singh has been at the helm since 2011.

He was elected president of WFI for the third consecutive time in February 2019.

Earlier in the day, former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat had met the wrestlers with a “message” from the Union government, and had assured them that the issue will be resolved today. 

The meeting with the ministry officials happened post her visit and assurances.

The sports ministry has demanded a response from WFI to the allegations within 72 hours.

The ministry also said that if the WFI fails to provide a reply within the given time, they will initiate action in accordance with the provisions of the National Sports Development Code, 2011.

Singh has denied all allegations.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party has demanded Singh's resignation.

Earlier in the day, the Congress demanded that PM Modi break his silence over the allegations against Singh, and sought to know why resignations of those involved have not come in till now