IOA President PT Usha Criticizes Protesting Wrestlers

The IOA President PT Usha has said that the protesting wrestlers on streets are tarnishing the country’s image and called it an act of indiscipline.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has criticized the wrestlers protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on the streets, calling it indiscipline that tarnishes India’s image. 

The protest was started by decorated wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, who accused WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. 

The IOA has appointed a three-member ad-hoc panel, including former shooter Suma Shirur, Wushu Association of India chief Bhupendra Singh Bajwa, and a retired high court judge, to run the affairs of the WFI until a new body is elected. 

However, some wrestlers alleged that their own sister, Babita Phogat, forced them to sit on the dharna and politicized everything for her personal benefit, leaving them alone. 

Two-time world champion Vinesh Phogat also criticized Babita and accused her of being more worried about her political career than the cause of the wrestlers. 

Despite the government forming an oversight committee to investigate the allegations, including the involvement of Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh got a “clean chit” from the panel. 

The latest protest by wrestlers could force the government to rethink the matter and announce a decision soon to resolve the issue. 

The prolonged protest by the wrestlers has caused concern as it could tarnish the image of India, and the IOA has called for an end to the protest.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formed a three-member ad-hoc committee, including a retired high court judge, to run the daily affairs of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) until a new body is elected. 

The decision was taken after top Indian wrestlers resumed their indefinite protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleging sexual harassment against him. The move shows IOA’s genuine support towards the case.

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