Rahul Gandhi: Today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi convened with renowned wrestlers from the country, including Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Poonia, at an event held in Haryana’s Jhajjar district.
The gathering coincides with a wave of wrestlers returning their awards as a form of protest against the election outcomes of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Sanjay Singh, who previously served as an aide to BJP MP and former wrestling head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, secured the position of WFI president. The BJP MP had to relinquish his role earlier in the year following allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Leading the demonstration against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh were Mr. Poonia, Olympic bronze medallist Sakshee Malikkh, and gold medallist Vinesh Phogat from the Commonwealth Games.
Mr. Poonia stated to the news agency ANI, “Rahul Gandhi came to see our wrestling routine. He wrestled. He came to watch the everyday activities of a wrestler.
Mr. Poonia had earlier declared that he would return his Padma Shri and that he would not do so until “sisters and daughters” who are fighting against sexual harassment receive justice.
Ms. Malikkh announced her decision to resign from wrestling at a press conference shortly after the WFI election results, citing her opposition to the victory of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s aide.
The center has since halted WFI’s operations due to the junior nationals’ hurried announcement.
According to the Sports Ministry’s statement, the newly elected body appears to be (under) complete control of former office bearers in complete disregard of the Sports Code.
According to the ministry, WFI’s operations are being conducted from premises controlled by former office bearers. Which is also alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the players have been alleged and (at) present the court in hearing the matter, it went on to say.
Ratnavali