Wrestlers End Street Strike, Take Fight Against WFI Chief to Court
New Delhi: The wrestlers who were protesting against sex-charged Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh have decided to halt their street strike and pursue legal action instead. In a joint statement, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia announced on Sunday that their fight for justice will now be fought in the courts.
The wrestlers expressed their satisfaction with the government’s promise to file a charge sheet against the BJP leader. They stated, “The fight will continue until we get justice, but it will be in the courts, not in the streets.”
They also mentioned that the election process for reform within the WFI has commenced, and they will wait for the government to fulfill its promises regarding the July 11 elections.
In a surprising move, Vinesh and Sakshi declared that they will be taking a break from social media for a few days. This decision comes after the players questioned the exclusion of themselves from the Asian Games trials by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc panel. Additionally, former wrestler and current BJP leader Yogeshwar Dutt faced severe criticism from the wrestlers.
During a 40-minute long speech, the wrestlers affirmed their determination to continue their fight against Brij Bhushan Singh. They stated that they will assess the charge sheet filed against the BJP leader and decide on the next steps to take.
Responding to questions about their silence, Vinesh said, “The time to suspend the protest was until June 15. This fight will continue in whatever form it takes, but the fight for justice will continue.”
Vinesh also accused Yogeshwar Dutt of targeting them due to his selfish interests. She alleged that Brij Bhushan might have offered Dutt the post of WFI president, which is why he stood by him.
The wrestlers emphasized that their fight is far from over until Brij Bhushan is held accountable for his actions. They are currently awaiting a copy of the charge sheet and will assess its fairness before deciding whether to continue their protest on the streets or take other measures.
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Date: 2023-06-26
Keywords: Street, strike, stopped, court, wrestlers, ended, protest
How do the wrestlers believe that pursuing legal action will lead to a more thorough examination and scrutiny of the allegations made against Brij Bhushan Singh
WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh and investigate the allegations brought against him. They believe that taking legal action is a more effective and appropriate way to seek justice in this matter.
The wrestlers had been protesting on the streets, demanding the removal of Brij Bhushan Singh from his position due to serious allegations of sexual harassment and corruption. However, after discussions with their legal advisors and considering the potential impact of their actions, they have decided to shift their focus to the legal system.
In their joint statement, the wrestlers acknowledged the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns by initiating an investigation against Brij Bhushan Singh. They believe that taking the matter to court will allow for a more thorough examination and scrutiny of the allegations made against the WFI chief.
By pursuing legal action, the wrestlers hope not only to hold Brij Bhushan Singh accountable for his alleged wrongdoings but also to bring about meaningful change within the wrestling federation. They aim to establish a safer and more transparent environment for all athletes involved in the sport.
The decision to halt their street strike was not an easy one for the wrestlers. They recognize the importance of public protests in raising awareness and voicing their grievances. However, they also acknowledge that legal proceedings can provide a more structured and fair process for investigation and resolution.
The wrestlers are determined to fight for justice and ensure that their allegations are properly addressed. They believe that taking their fight to court is a crucial step towards achieving these goals. They expressed their gratitude to the public for their support and reassured their fans that they remain committed to bringing about change within the wrestling community.
It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what results they will yield. Nonetheless, the wrestlers are resolute in their pursuit of justice and are hopeful that their actions will lead to a much-needed transformation within the Wrestling Federation of India.
It’s unfortunate to see the wrestling battle between athletes and WFI chief shift from the mat to the courtroom. Hoping for a fair resolution that benefits the sport and its dedicated practitioners.
It’s disappointing to see the wrestlers’ protest come to an end, but shifting their battle to the court is a step in the right direction. Hopefully, justice will prevail and bring about the necessary changes in the WFI leadership.