Xtra Time Web Desk: Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra on Friday expressed his support towards the wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar. According Neeraj, the matter needs to be dealt with in an impartial and transparent manner,
Sharing a message on Twitter, Neeraj wrote, “They (wrestlers) have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud.”
He added, “It hurts me to see our athletes on the streets demanding justice. They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud. As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not.”
“What’s happening should never happen. This is a sensitive issue, and must be dealt with in an impartial and transparent manner. Pertaining authorities must take quick action in order to ensure that justice is served,” concluded Neeraj.
Several top wrestlers of the country including the likes of Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia have been protesting against Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan, who has been accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by the grapplers.
The IOA is yet to complete its probe into the allegations while the government-formed oversight panel’s findings have not been made public yet. Frustrated with the three-month long wait, the wrestlers returned to Jantar Mantar to resume their agitation on April 23, and also approached the Supreme Court, demanding arrest of the WFI boss.
The Indian Olympic Association, as instructed by the sports ministry, has formed a three-member ad-hoc panel to manage the affairs of the WFI. Bhupendra Singh Bajwa will represent IOA executive council in the ad-hoc panel along with shooter Suma Shirur, who will oversee WFI’s day-to-day activities.
The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Friday.