Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha, who is facing allegations of being insensitive towards the wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, on Wednesday met him at Jantar Mantar and thanked him. Support assured. Former sprinter Usha had earlier strongly criticized the wrestlers for starting the protest again instead of approaching the IOA for their issues. He had said that the wrestlers should have shown discipline.
He and the IOA were criticized after this comment. Usha left without talking to the media but Bajrang Punia said that he has assured help. Bajrang told the media, “Initially we felt very bad when he said this but then he said that his comments were misinterpreted. He said he is an athlete first and an administrator second.
The wrestler, who won a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics, said, “We told him that we want justice. We have no quarrel with the government or the opposition or anyone else. We are sitting here for the betterment of wrestling. If this issue is resolved and the allegations (against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) are proved, then legal action should be taken,” Bajrang said when asked whether Usha had come up with the solution on behalf of the government or the IOA. It was nothing like that. He only said that he is with us.
Sakshi said, “She (Usha) said that she was sad to see us on the streets instead of in the stadium. She said she understands our pain and wants us to win more medals for the country. “If someone comes here and says she supports us, that is all we need. Vinesh said that he did not ask Usha when the IOA would complete its probe, but made some suggestions.
“I told him, now that wrestling (administration) is under him, he should take everything under his control and start organizing competitions. I also told her that she is a Rajya Sabha MP… If she can raise this issue in Parliament, that would be enough. “Bajrang said,” We respect her. She has been a great athlete. Better late than never.” The wrestler, however, reiterated that the protest will continue if he does not get justice.
“If she is giving us an assurance, I think she should fulfill that assurance. But we made it clear to them that this protest will continue till things get rectified and we get justice. However, we have full hope of getting justice. “He said,” If there is any initiative in that direction from the things he has said, then definitely this issue will be resolved. She said that she will try to solve all our problems. She can do anything she wants.
