Wrestlers’ Protest: From Sania Mirza to Neeraj Chopra, here’s how sports fraternity showed solidarity
By Ashwathy Rajendran
The wrestlers’ protests have started enjoying support from some of the biggest names of the Indian sports fraternity.
India’s top wrestlers have restarted their protest against BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar on April 23 (Sunday) after ending it three months ago. The protest garnered support from prominent and respected figures in the Indian sports fraternity to amplify the voices of those who are facing injustice and mistreatment. The wrestlers have cited the lack of action taken against Singh, despite assurances made in January as the reason for resuming the protest.
The wrestlers mentioned that they have lost faith in the committee that investigated the allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan and that the government has been delaying the release of the report. The wrestlers have voiced their discontentment over the fact that WFI has resumed its operations despite the ongoing investigation. They have further alleged that Brij Bhushan still wields power, citing the national tournament held in Gonda, his hometown as evidence.
Who is the target of the wrestlers’ protest?

Brij Bhushan Singh has been involved in wrestling administration in various roles, including as the president of the WFI, vice-president of the Asian Wrestling Federation, and a member of the government’s Mission Olympic Cell, which identifies athletes for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme and takes action on their training proposals. Brij Bhushan Singh is also known as a political powerhouse and has a significant influence on the sport in India, having the final say on all wrestling-related matters.
Seven women wrestlers have filed individual police complaints against the WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleging sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. The complainants have referred to a series of incidents that span from 2012 to 2022 as evidence of the accused’s misconduct. The wrestlers supported by their male peers have demanded his removal from office as well as the disbandment of WFI. On April 21, the wrestlers filed a complaint with the police, but an FIR was not registered, prompting them to approach the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has issued directives to the police to ensure the safety of the minor complainant in the case and ordered the filing of an FIR based on the complaints made by the wrestlers. The court has taken note of the seriousness of the allegations of sexual harassment and has asked for updates in the investigation at a hearing scheduled for May 4.
This move has been welcomed by the wrestlers but filing the FIR on Friday evening is just one step towards their larger goal of achieving justice, and they will continue their protest at Jantar Mantar until justice is served.
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Which wrestlers are protesting?

Among the group of protesters are India’s top wrestlers such as Olympic bronze medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia and world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat. The wrestlers have been camping at the protest site, sleeping and training, for the past five days. As their protest progressed, they held a candle march at Jantar Mantar in the national capital on Wednesday.
The protesting wrestlers have been receiving support from notable Indian Sports icons. The backing of sports legends can not only provide moral support to the wrestlers but also lend credibility to their cause and potentially lead to greater accountability for those responsible. The support of fellow sportspersons can be extremely significant in raising awareness and bringing attention to issues within their sport.
Who tweeted in support of the wrestlers’ protest?
As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration. My heart goes out…
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) April 26, 2023
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) April 28, 2023
It breaks my heart to see our Olympic & World medallists in this state. Sportspeople also serve the nation by bringing glory & laurels. I sincerely hope & pray that the law takes its own course and justice is served at the earliest🙏🏻 Jai Hind.#IStandWithMyChampions https://t.co/w5eaJuwzSz
— Nikhat Zareen (@nikhat_zareen) April 28, 2023
As an athlete but more as a woman this is too difficult to watch .. they’ve brought laurels to our country and we have all celebrated them , with them .. if you have done that then it’s time to now stand with them in this difficult time too .. this is a highly sensitive matter… pic.twitter.com/7mVVyz1Dr1
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) April 28, 2023
बोल नहीं सकता तो क्या हुआ, अन्याय के ख़िलाफ़ अपने देश की बेटियों के लिए लिख तो सकता हूँ, आओ मेरे देशवासियों हम सब मिलकर न्याय दिलवाने में, हमारा गर्व, देश की बेटियों का साथ दे! #जयहिंद🇮🇳 #IStandWithMyChampions @BajrangPunia @Phogat_Vinesh @SakshiMalik pic.twitter.com/rjSed4b8z3
— Virender Singh (@GoongaPahalwan) April 28, 2023
Indian athletes are always our pride not only when they get medals for us…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 28, 2023
बहुत दुःख की बात है की हमारे champions जिन्होंने देश का बड़ा नाम किया है , झंडा लहराया है , हम सबको इतनी ख़ुशियाँ दी हैं, उन्हें आज सड़क पर आना पड़ा है। बड़ा संवेदनशील मामला है और इसकी निष्पक्ष जाँच होनी चाहिए। उम्मीद है खिलाड़ियों को न्याय मिलेगा। pic.twitter.com/A8KXqxbKZ4
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 28, 2023
Shocking that 9 women of recognition complained & no FIR is registered. it'll be a tear on the cheek of time in Indian history…… Any country that insults their women icons is hurting its own pride , these women have brought laurels to the nation. They have given wings to the… pic.twitter.com/cKZgCxKKQo
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) April 28, 2023
— Rani Rampal (@imranirampal) April 28, 2023
Sakshi, Vinesh are India's pride. I am pained as a sportsperson to find pride of our country coming out to protest on the streets. I pray that they get justice.#IStandWithWrestlers pic.twitter.com/hwD9dKSFNv
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 28, 2023
I stand in solidarity with my sisters @Phogat_Vinesh, @SakshiMalik, and all others who are fighting for justice. pic.twitter.com/sn2dudMRcD
— Bhaichung Bhutia (@bhaichung15) April 29, 2023
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