Days after criticising the atheltes for 'indiscipline', Indian Olympic Association chief and veteran athlete PT Usha on Wednesday met wrestlers protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Her comments were misinterpreted, PT Usha tells players
Despite not speaking to the assembled media, PT Usha, a retired Olympian, reportedly promised assistance to the athletes according to wrestler Bajrang Punia.
"Usha said her comments were misinterpreted and that she is first an athlete and then an administrator. She said she is with us," Punia told media.
"She said she will try to resolve all our problems and help us get justice," he added.
Olympian PT Usha had criticised the wrestlers for their public protest against the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Usha commented that the protest amounted to indiscipline and that the players should have waited for the committee's report to address their allegations.
Wrestlers reacted strongly to Usha's statement
The wrestlers, who were protesting against Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, reacted strongly to Usha's comments. They claimed that they were hurt by her lack of support, especially since they were looking up to her as a fellow woman. Wrestler Sakshi Malik expressed her disappointment in Usha's negative approach to their protest.
Wrestlers questioned Usha's alleged lack of support
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat alleged that she tried to contact Usha to discuss their matter, but Usha did not answer her call. The wrestlers raised concerns about whether Usha was under any pressure or influenced by external factors.
Wrestlers continue sit-in protest
Despite police assurances of action, the wrestlers vowed to continue their sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi until Singh's "immediate arrest." They stated that their fight was not just for an FIR but to punish individuals like Singh, who need to be stripped of their portfolios and jailed.
The wrestlers' public protest against the president of WFI has sparked controversy, with former Olympian PT Usha criticizing their actions. However, the wrestlers claim that they are fighting for justice and will continue their protest until Singh's arrest.
