Hundreds of junior wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday to protest against the loss of a crucial year in their careers. The protest took an unexpected turn as the junior wrestlers blamed top grapplers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat for their predicament. The protesters, arriving from different parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, caught the police unaware.
The junior wrestlers, numbering close to 300, traveled from Arya Samaj Akhara in Chhaprauli, Baghpat, and Virender Wrestling Academy in Narela. Many more are expected to join the protest later. Chaos ensued as security personnel struggled to control the protesters, who chanted slogans against Punia, Malik, and Phogat. Banners reading UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers were carried by the demonstrators, expressing their discontent.
Ironically, only a year ago, these three wrestlers had themselves rallied immense support for their cause at the same protest site. They had led the call for the arrest of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom they accused of sexually harassing women wrestlers. Thousands had come out in support, including members of the wrestling fraternity, politicians, women’s groups, and farmers.
However, the tables have now turned, and Punia, Malik, and Phogat find themselves facing protests from within their own community. The junior wrestlers assembled at Jantar Mantar accuse the top grapplers of ruining their careers. The ongoing crisis in Indian wrestling has resulted in the suspension of national camps and competitions since January 2023. The sport is currently being overseen by an ad-hoc panel appointed by the sports ministry.
The protesting wrestlers demanded the restoration of the suspended WFI and the disbandment of the ad-hoc panel. They believe that these measures are necessary to resolve the issues affecting Indian wrestling. As the protest continues, the junior wrestlers are determined to make their voices heard and fight for a better future in the sport.
This latest episode in Indian wrestling highlights the tensions within the community and the urgency to address the concerns of the junior wrestlers. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to their demands and whether a resolution can be reached to restore normalcy and progress in the wrestling arena across the country.
