Xtra Time Web Desk: Top wrestler of the country Vinesh Phogat was left in shock at the statement from Indian Olympic Association President (IOA) PT Usha about the wrestlers protest on Thursday. Usha commented that the wrestlers protesting on the streets rather than coming to IOA accounted for indiscipline and is tarnishing the image of sports in the country.
Reacting to Usha’s comment, Vinesh said, “We were not expecting this from PT Usha ma’am. We thought she would stand with her fellow athletes. She is a woman herself, so we expected her to stand with us. I am hurt by her words.”
“When Olympic medallists from the nation are sitting on the streets in protest, I think PT Usha ma’am should have come to us. She should have asked us why we were in tears,” Vinesh added.
Meanwhile, a two-member ad-hoc committee has been formed by IOA, who will oversee the day-to-day activities of the Wrestling Federation of India. The committee will comprise of Bhupender Singh Bajwa, IOA executive council member and Suma Shirur, sportsperson of outstanding merit of IOA.
“IOA will also appoint a retired High Court Judge to the Ad-Hoc Committee for fair and transparent election. The committee will be responsible to manage the affairs of the federation including selection and participation of sportspersons in international events,” the body said in a release.
The election for the post of WFI president was earlier scheduled to be held on May 7 until the Ministry of Youth Affairs declared it null and void and asked the IOA to form an ad-hoc committee.