Haryana CM, Babita Phogat come out in support of protesting Wrestlers

Top Indian duelists staged a dharna on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar against WFI.

The protest against the WFI reaches day 2 as India's top wrestlers continue their peaceful dharna in Jantar Mantar on January 19. Former three-time CWG medalist and a present ruling party member, Babita Phogat has come out in defense of her fellow wrestlers. Babita said that the grapplers' demand to disband the federation will be met. "I am a wrestler first and then a political person. I understand their pain and I will try to get the solution that the wrestlers want," said Babita, who is also a sister of Vinesh.

Haryana CM, Manohar Laal Khattar has also shown empathy towards the wrestlers. He said that his government has not received any formal complaint. He also added, "This is a serious issue and we have noted every allegation of our wrestlers. Incidents like this demotivate our sportspersons and I believe the Sports Ministry will take cognizance of this issue and act accordingly. For us, the security of our female sportspersons is very important."

The security around the WFI president's residence anticipating further unrest.

Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia, one of lead protestors, had lashed out against the allegedly dictatorial treatment of the Wrestling federation under Brij Bhushan Singh, who is also an MP of Bharatiya Janata Party. Punia is joined by world womens' wrestling champion Vinesh Phogat.

Sexual harassment allegation were made by Vinesh Phogat

Earlier today, Brinda Karat, the former CPIM Rajya Sabha member wanted to join the cause. But the protesters anticipated that her presence would add a political tinge and she was asked to leave the site.

Earlier Vinesh Phogat also made sexual harassment allegations against the WFI's male coaching contingent on both players and female coaches. She said, "Coaches are harassing women, and some coaches who are favorites of the federation misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls. The WFI president has sexually harassed so many girls."

The President has distanced himself from all sorts of misconduct and went on to claim vehemently that if the players can prove their accusations, he would commit self-harm. " If such a thing has happened, then I will hang myself," said the president.

The situation is soon going out of hand and may prove to be detrimental to the sport. The wrestlers, who have often made the country proud, have claimed that they would refrain from partaking in any competition if the situation does not improve.

Punia, in his initial communication, said, "The player wants self-respect and prepares for the Olympics and big games with full vigor, but if the federation does not support them, the morale breaks down. But now we will not bow down. Will fight for our rights."