Kolkata. Showing solidarity with the aggrieved wrestlers, former India midfielder Mehtab Hossain on Wednesday joined a protest march in the city which was led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Wrestlers are demanding the arrest of outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of allegedly sexually assaulting several female wrestlers, including a minor. Former East Bengal midfielder Mehtab told PTI, “When these same players win medals in the Olympics, the prime minister has time to host them over tea and take photographs.”
He said, “If the prime minister had spared five minutes to listen to them, this wrestling drama would not have reached this level.” On Tuesday, the wrestlers reached Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar and threatened to immerse their medals in the Ganges but later Khap and farmer leaders stopped them. Mehtab said, “Remember, the whole world is watching us. This is causing shame to the country. Even the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and United World Wrestling have noticed it.
Read also: Sabalenka refuses to answer questions on Ukraine war at French Open
“They are all international players who have won medals at the top level. The country’s image has been damaged.” Along with Mehtab, 20 former East Bengal players and officials also joined the protest rally. The rally started from Hazra and concluded at Ravindra Sadan. Thirty-six organizations including the Olympic Association of Bengal, Indian Football Association (IFA), East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting Club participated in it.
