Protesting wrestlers on Sunday accused the media of supporting Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Singh instead of the players, saying newspapers should not give Singh a platform to speak. Singh, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment of female wrestlers, vowed to fight the allegations and termed the protest as politically motivated. The Delhi Police has registered two FIRs, one under the POCSO Act, against BJP MP Singh. Singh has been holding the post of WFI president for the last 12 years and is disqualified to become an office-bearer again.
Talking to the media, Bajrang said, “The media is supporting Brij Bhushan more than the players. Look at his criminal record. Does anyone sitting here or from other sports have a criminal record.” He also said that winning an Olympic medal is more difficult than becoming a Member of Parliament in the country. He said, “Sportsmen win medals for the country and he is raising questions on medal winners. How many people become MPs in the country and how many win Olympic medals. Till now there are hardly 40 Olympic medalists and thousands of MPs.” Two-time world championship medalist Vinesh Phogat said Singh’s claim that the wrestlers’ allegations were politically motivated was baseless.
He said, “We are not doing any politics. We speak from the heart and that is the reason why so many people are sitting here with us.” Appealing the media not to give space to Singh, he said, “How can you give a platform to such a criminal. Ask yourself. If you don’t do this, half the problem will end by itself. This man is smiling and speaking. His ego is bigger than that of Ravana.” Vinesh said, “If he is proved innocent after the Supreme Court verdict, you will garland him with flowers. Still being worn. what has he done When we win medals, we are given necklaces.
He has exploited women players and is being honoured. I request you not to give him a platform.” Singh claimed that wrestlers want to take over WFI and only one family (Phogat) is behind this protest. Bajrang countered this by saying, “To be in WFI one has to be a member of the state association. We do not want control over WFI. His son is the president of Uttar Pradesh Sangh and the secretary is his son’s brother-in-law. His son-in-law is also a member of the state union. He is accusing us of nepotism whereas in reality the situation is opposite.
The wrestlers had complained of non-cooperation by the authorities, alleging disconnection of electricity and water supply during the night. Asked if the situation is better now, Vinesh said, “Do you stay here at night?” I request you to stay for the night and then I will ask you how much the administration is helping.
