Birmingham: Olympic silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya, star woman grappler Vinesh Phogat and 19-year-old wrestler Naveen claimed gold medals as the Indian juggernaut gathered pace on the shoulder of the mighty wrestlers as athletes Avinash Sable and Priyanka Goswami broke new grounds at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games here on Saturday. Fellow wrestlers Pooja Sihag and Pooja Gehlot bagged bronze medals in their respective weight divisions while in lawn bowls, the Men’s Fours, who emulated their women counterparts by reaching the final, had to be satisfied with a silver medal as they lost to Northern Ireland in the summit clash. The Indian medal haul has been going at a slow but steady pace in the absence of shooting and archery and some unexpected performances in table tennis and badminton got a leg-up with the wrestlers adding three more gold to the three they won on Friday. India are now placed fifth in the table behind Australia, England, Canada and New Zealand. Boxer Jaismine lost in the semifinal and had to be satisfied with a bronze medal in the women’s&nbsp;Lightweight (over 57kg-60kg) as did Muhammed Hasamuddin in Men’s Featherweight (over 54kg-57kg) as he lost to Joseph Commey of Ghana 1-4 on points in the semifinals. Three boxers, world champion Nikhat Zareen, Nitu and Amit Panghal made it to the final and will be hoping to add more gold to the Indian tally. The five medals in wrestling, two in athletics, two in boxing, and one in lawn bowls boosted India’s tally to 36 — 12 gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze with many more set to be added in the next two days. The day belonged to the wrestlers, especially Ravi Dahiya, Vinesh and Naveen who bagged three gold medals on Saturday. Dahiya, a three-time Asian champion and a bronze medallist in World Championship, outclassed his Nigerian opponent Welson Ebikewenimo 10-0&nbsp;on points in the Men’s Freestyle 57 kg final. He started cautiously but got into his own after the referee gave him a warning for being too defensive. He claimed eight points in the next two minutes to seal victory. Vinesh Phogat was also impressive in her win. The experienced wrestler completed&nbsp;a hat-trick of gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, by beating Sri Lanka’s Chamodya Keshani Maduravalage Don in the women’s women’s 53 kg final. Earlier, Priyanka Goswami and Avinash Sable started the day for India with two unexpected silver medals. Priyanka became the first Indian woman race walker to win a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games when she finished second behind her Australian opponent in the women’s 10 km walk. Sable was even more awesome as he beat the Kenyan hegemony in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, becoming the first non-Kenyan to win the medal at the Commonwealth Games since 1994. He finished the race in 8:11.15 between two Kenyans. Indian lawn bowlers continued to make history as the Men’s Fours added a silver to the historic gold medal won by the Women’s Fours a couple of days ago. The quartet of Chandan Kumar Singh, Dinesh Kumar, Navneet Singh, and Sunil Bahadur put up a good fight but went down 5-18 to Northern Ireland at the Royal Leamington Spa.—IANS

Olympic silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya, star woman grappler Vinesh Phogat and 19-year-old wrestler Naveen claimed gold medals as the Indian juggernaut gathered pace on the shoulder of the mighty wrestlers as athletes Avinash Sable and Priyanka Goswami broke new grounds at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games here on Saturday.

CWG 2022: Wrestlers Dahiya, Phogat, Naveen win gold as India surge up in the table 

Olympic silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya, star woman grappler Vinesh Phogat and 19-year-old wrestler Naveen claimed gold medals as the Indian juggernaut gathered pace on the shoulder of the mighty wrestlers as athletes Avinash Sable and Priyanka Goswami broke new grounds at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games here on Saturday.



Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that the state police are thoroughly investigating the Haryana BJP leader and actor Sonali Phogat’s death but prima facie cardiac arrest appears to be the cause of it.
“The DGP is personally monitoring it. Though it appears to be cardiac arrest, we still will get a post-mortem conducted. An investigation is going on,” Sawant said.
According to Goa police, Phogat felt uneasy on Monday night and was taken to a hospital the morning next (Tuesday) at around 8 a.m., where she was declared brought dead.
On Tuesday, the Police had written to the Department of Forensic Medicine at Goa Medical College for appointing a panel of doctors for conducting the post-mortem.
The autopsy is expected to be conducted later in the day.&nbsp;
—IANS

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. on Wednesday said that the state police are thoroughly investigating the Haryana BJP leader and actor Sonali Phogat’s death but prima facie cardiac arrest appears to be the cause of it.

 Sonali Phogat's death appears to be due to cardiac arrest: Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that the state police are thoroughly investigating the Haryana BJP leader and actor Sonali Phogat’s death but prima facie cardiac arrest appears to be the cause of it.

Chandigarh: The family of Haryana BJP leader Sonali Phogat, who died under mysterious circumstances in Goa, have met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into her death. Her daughter Yashodhara appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the aggrieved family and not to project her slain mother in a bad light. The family met the Chief Minister at his residence late Saturday. The Chief Minister assured all possible help to the family of Phogat. He assured them that he had already spoken to the Goa Chief Minister about the incident, a senior official in the Chief Minister's Office told IANS on Sunday
"The Chief Minister assured them that the Haryana government will write a letter to the Goa government about the CBI inquiry," he added. After meeting the Chief Minister, an emotional Yashodhara appealed to the media not to portray her mother in bad taste. She demanded that those responsible for her mother's death be brought to justice. Earlier, the victim's brother Rinku Dhaka said the motive behind the murder could be property and money. But he said his family is "satisfied" with the police investigation into her death in Goa. "After I reached Goa on August 23, I called up Sudhir to understand what happened. He told me that he was in the hotel room and the body was in the Goa Medical College," Dhaka told the media.
"If you want to see the body, go there and if you have any work with me, meet me in the hotel. After seeing the body, I went to the police station following which Inspector Desai accompanied me to the hotel where Sudhir was staying. The inspector did all the talking with him." The actress was taken to Goa on the pretext of a film shoot. "I didn't see any actors or film shoots. There was no one apart from Sudhir and Sukhwinder Singh." Dhaka was categorically clear in saying that the motive behind the murder could be property and money. He even blamed Sudhir for the theft in Sonali's house. Last year TikTok star Phogat had reported theft of jewellery, a licenced revolver, Rs 10 lakh cash and valuables from her house in Hisar town. Sonali's brother-in-law, Kuldeep Phogat, said she was given poison and was locked in a washroom. "They hit her and there are bruises." The last rites of Sonali were held on Friday even as a large number of people turned up to pay their last respects. Phogat, who had landed in a controversy for allegedly beating up an official with her slipper, had unsuccessfully contested the 2019 Assembly elections from Mandi Adampur, losing to Congress candidate Kuldeep Bishnoi, the son of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhajan Lal. Bishnoi this month joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with his wife, Renuka, who was also in the Congress. The Goa police have so far arrested four persons in connection with her murder. A court in Goa on Saturday granted a 10-day police custody of Sudhir Sangwan and Sukhwinder Singh.
—IANS

The family of Haryana BJP leader Sonali Phogat, who died under mysterious circumstances in Goa, have met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into her death.

 Phogat's family meets Haryana CM, seeks CBI probe

Gurugram: BJP leader and Tiktok star Sonali Phogat was named as her Personal Assistance Sudhir Sangwan’s wife in rent documents of an apartment here, according to sources.&nbsp;
Sangwan was often seen in the ‘Gurgaon Greens’ society located in Sector 102 of Gurugram, they said.&nbsp;
Before leaving for Goa, Phogat and Sangwan had parked their TATA safari vehicle in the society and took a taxi to the airport.
According to sources, Sangwan had taken flat number 901 on rent in Gurgaon Greens about three months ago. For this, police verification was also done. When Sudhir Sangwan had taken this flat on rent, he had mentioned Phogat as his wife in documents.
This flat on rent in Gurgaon Greens was in the name of Krishnakant Tiwari.
A member of the Gurgaon Greens society requesting anonymity said, though he never met Sonali in society, he occasionally met Sudhir Sangwan. Since the two lived like common tenants, most of the people did not even know about her.
It’s only after her death that people came to know that she used to live in the society, he said.
Meanwhile, a lawyer close to Sonali Phogat told IANS that Sangwan had recently visited the Hisar tehsil office in connection with Sonali Phogat and her widowed sister’s property-related work.
“Sonali recently went abroad for 15 days and Sudhir was taking care of her locker, where her properly related documents and house keys were kept. We suspect that some economic reason must be a motive behind her sudden death, the lawyer claimed.
However, the lawyer denied any information about Sudhir Sangwan and Sonali residing in Gurugram’s society as husband and wife.
—IANS

BJP leader and Tiktok star Sonali Phogat was named as her Personal Assistance Sudhir Sangwan’s wife in rent documents of an apartment here, according to sources. 

 Sonali Phogat Death: Phogat was named PA's wife in rent documents, say sources

New Delhi: On Wednesday, a crying Vinesh Phogat accused Wresting Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually exploiting women wrestlers for years. This accusation was strongly denied by the sports administrator and BJP MP.
Vinesh, who has been at odds with WFI since the Tokyo Olympic Games, has stated that other coaches at the national camp in Lucknow have also exploited women wrestlers, and that a few women at the camp had approached the wrestlers at the behest of the WFI President.
The 28-year-old clarified that she had never been a victim of such exploitation, but she did say that "one victim" had attended the 'dharna' they started at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.—Inputs from Agencies

On Wednesday, a crying Vinesh Phogat accused Wresting Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually exploiting women wrestlers for years

WFI President sexually exploited women wrestlers, I received death threats: Vinesh Phogat

Soumitra Bose
New Delhi (The Hawk): Hornet's Nest...To shatter, tumble, crackle, cackle, split? Apparently yes, apparently no! How?!? Well, to put it soberly without any bias, the wrestlers --- most of them array of medals including gold winners --- of the country are up in arms against their WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) bosses including its President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh (photo along side), Lok Sabha MP, and others for wrongfully (s)exploiting them thereby pushing them in to deep dungeon of social uncertainties galore thus, "dark future for them in the ensuing days". Wrestlers of all hues that is of all categories / weights want immediate dismissal of the WFI office bearers including Singh should the wrestling in the country continue in the coming days that already are stacked with many a scheduled competition wherein, if they go all out, they are sure to win many medals doing India proud "as before", analyse insiders. Award-winning wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat (photo along side) are currently on Delhi-roads demanding immediate dismissal of WFI to restore the "old amicable, amiable, all round conducive atmosphere back in wrestling unlike now; now is muck, seedy, shady". Or, hornet's nest shaking...&nbsp;

Hornet's Nest...To shatter, tumble, crackle, cackle, split? Apparently yes, apparently no! How?!? Well, to put it soberly without any bias, the wrestlers

Hornet's Nest

Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The group of wrestlers were protesting against Wrestling Federation of India&amp;#39;s &amp;#39;arbitrary&amp;#39; laws &amp;amp; called for a boycott of its president at Jantar Mantar. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers demanded action against the Wrestling Federation of India chief and other officials against alleged sexual exploitation of several athletes. Wrestlers, who have been protesting for two days at Delhi&amp;#39;s Jantar Mantar, has now ended their sit-in after getting assurance from the central government to resolve their grievances. Neither Indian sports nor the governing body SAI is new to controversies. Flip through the pages of history and one can find several incidents of misbehaviour and allegations of sexual harassment made by leading sportswomen of the country.
Sport, when purposefully planned, gives us the environment and opportunity to enforce values such as respect and equality, both on and off the field, and can reduce gender inequalities and violence against women. Sexual abuse toward women athletes has been a problem for as long as women’s sports has existed. Most sexual harassment and abuse is perpetrated by people in positions of authority within the sport industry, often coaches. It happens in all sports and at all levels. Sexual harassment and abuse within the sports industry is suspected to be significantly underreported due to social conditions that discourage disclosure. Many hesitate to come forward fearing they won’t be believed or will be disregarded in favor of the perpetrators’ denial. According to data gathered from a right to information application, it was found that between 2010 to 2020, there were 45 complaints of sexual harassment to the SAI, of which 29 were against coaches. Notably, Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a &amp;#39;khota sikka&amp;#39; after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;
Many sexual harassment cases have involved coaches and mentors, and athletes are calling for an organized system allowing women to share complaints without fear of damaging their careers. Sexual harassment and abuse arise from the culture of sport and from the opportunities for exploitation of power and authority which this affords coaches. Commonly reported types of sexual harassment include “‘repeated unwanted sexually suggestive glances, jokes, comments, etc.’, ‘unwanted physical contact’, [and] ‘ridicule.’” There is a culture of subservience in sport and therefore &amp;#39;grooming&amp;#39; becomes common, making it very hard for athletes to come forward and complain.
In multiple ways, a coach has significant power over an athlete. Traditionally, athletes place their trust in their coach, taking their advice and following their instructions uncritically because the coach has greater knowledge about and experience with the sport. Coaches can either boost or diminish the athletes’ self- esteem, and they have significant control over the participation and success of athletes and whether they lose their jobs. It’s evident that anywhere in the world, when vulnerable female athletes are placed in the charge of a male coach, there exists the danger that he could prey on them. It’s a very complex situation, and a monitoring mechanism independent of the sports federations would be the first step towards protecting female athletes.
No doubt, SAI has made it mandatory for all federations to ensure female athletes are accompanied by a female coach during domestic and international travel. SAI has also asked the federations to appoint a ‘compliance officer’ at national camps and tours in order to ensure the ‘Standard Operating Procedure on prevention of sexual harassment’ is followed, and that any violation is reported ‘at the earliest’.&nbsp;
Our Sports organisations must have guidelines for preventing violence against women in their player and employee codes of conduct, and have mechanisms for responding to allegations of sexual misconduct and violence. Sports bodies have to take the lead and set conditions right so vulnerable athletes feel secure to come forward and complain. —The Hawk Features
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The group of wrestlers were protesting against Wrestling Federation of India&amp;#39;s &amp;#39;arbitrary&amp;#39; laws &amp;amp; called for a boycott of its president at Jantar Mantar. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers demanded action against the Wrestling Federation of India chief and other officials against alleged sexual exploitation of several athletes. Wrestlers, who have been protesting for two days at Delhi&amp;#39;s Jantar Mantar, has now ended their sit-in after getting assurance from the central government to resolve their grievances. Neither Indian sports nor the governing body SAI is new to controversies. Flip through the pages of history and one can find several incidents of misbehaviour and allegations of sexual harassment made by leading sportswomen of the country.
Sport, when purposefully planned, gives us the environment and opportunity to enforce values such as respect and equality, both on and off the field, and can reduce gender inequalities and violence against women. Sexual abuse toward women athletes has been a problem for as long as women’s sports has existed. Most sexual harassment and abuse is perpetrated by people in positions of authority within the sport industry, often coaches. It happens in all sports and at all levels. Sexual harassment and abuse within the sports industry is suspected to be significantly underreported due to social conditions that discourage disclosure. Many hesitate to come forward fearing they won’t be believed or will be disregarded in favor of the perpetrators’ denial. According to data gathered from a right to information application, it was found that between 2010 to 2020, there were 45 complaints of sexual harassment to the SAI, of which 29 were against coaches. Notably, Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a &amp;#39;khota sikka&amp;#39; after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;
Many sexual harassment cases have involved coaches and mentors, and athletes are calling for an organized system allowing women to share complaints without fear of damaging their careers. Sexual harassment and abuse arise from the culture of sport and from the opportunities for exploitation of power and authority which this affords coaches. Commonly reported types of sexual harassment include “‘repeated unwanted sexually suggestive glances, jokes, comments, etc.’, ‘unwanted physical contact’, [and] ‘ridicule.’” There is a culture of subservience in sport and therefore &amp;#39;grooming&amp;#39; becomes common, making it very hard for athletes to come forward and complain.
In multiple ways, a coach has significant power over an athlete. Traditionally, athletes place their trust in their coach, taking their advice and following their instructions uncritically because the coach has greater knowledge about and experience with the sport. Coaches can either boost or diminish the athletes’ self- esteem, and they have significant control over the participation and success of athletes and whether they lose their jobs. It’s evident that anywhere in the world, when vulnerable female athletes are placed in the charge of a male coach, there exists the danger that he could prey on them. It’s a very complex situation, and a monitoring mechanism independent of the sports federations would be the first step towards protecting female athletes.
No doubt, SAI has made it mandatory for all federations to ensure female athletes are accompanied by a female coach during domestic and international travel. SAI has also asked the federations to appoint a ‘compliance officer’ at national camps and tours in order to ensure the ‘Standard Operating Procedure on prevention of sexual harassment’ is followed, and that any violation is reported ‘at the earliest’.&nbsp;
Our Sports organisations must have guidelines for preventing violence against women in their player and employee codes of conduct, and have mechanisms for responding to allegations of sexual misconduct and violence. Sports bodies have to take the lead and set conditions right so vulnerable athletes feel secure to come forward and complain.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
—The Hawk Features

Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The group of wrestlers were protesting against Wrestling Federation of India&#39;s &#39;arbitrary&#39; laws &amp; called for a boycott of its president at Jantar Mantar.

Why India's Female Athletes Struggle With Sexual Harassment?

New Delhi: Having waited for three months, Star wrestlers again started their protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Sunday after and said that they took the step after alleging that no action has been taken in the matter and said that the FIR has not been registered against WFI chief.
Ace India wrestler Sakshi Malik broke down while interacting with the media as wrestlers protest at Jantar Mantar.
Top wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia have resumed their protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
"We wanted to file a sexual harassment FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Two days ago we got a complaint filed but FIR hasn't been registered yet. There are 7 female wrestlers and one of them is a minor. We want the investigation to happen fast. It is a sensitive matter. We are being framed as liars which we cannot bear. We are waiting for two and a half months now but no one is listening. People are saying we are spent force that is why we are protesting. We just won a medal at CWG 2022," Sakshi Malik told the media at Jantar Mantar.
Top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Dahiya, and Sakshi Malik, held a sit-in protest in Jantar Mantar in January this year, demanding that Brij Bhushan be removed from the head office and Wrestling Federation of India be disbanded. They had accused the body and its chief of sexual harassment and mistreatment of wrestlers.
"It is being heard that we are finished, that's why we are protesting. For two and a half months the government has not taken any action. We cannot reveal the name of a minor. Otherwise, her name and career will get spoilt," she added.
The grapplers protested against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in January this year. Following the protest, in January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formation of an 'oversight committee' to probe allegations levelled against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches. The committee was given the task of submitting a report on the issue to the ministry.
Olympic medalist Mary Kom is heading the Oversight Committee. Former wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, former shuttler Trupti Murgunde, SAI member Radhica Sreeman, ex-CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Plan Rajesh Rajagopalan, and CWG gold medalist Babita Phogat are the other members of the Mary Kom-led committee. But earlier in April, Punia had said that the wrestlers will go to court to protest against the report of the oversight committee appointed to investigate the matter and allegations put up by prominent Indian wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh.
Speaking to ANI exclusively, Punia said, "I read an article in which one of the committee members said that the report has been submitted to the Sports ministry without his signatures. The member also expressed his/her disagreement with the report. If a committee member is not involved in report submission and disagrees with the report, how are we supposed to trust it?"
"We were not even informed that the report was submitted to the ministry," he added. Punia also said that WFI should make public the statements given by female wrestlers in a sting operation to a private TV channel if it feels it is innocent and also, people get to decide who is right or wrong.
The wrestler said that they (wrestlers) will start protesting once again and will even go to the high court as soon as possible.
"We have to carry on with our sport, but we will protest and go to the high court as soon as possible," said Punia.
—ANI

Having waited for three months, Star wrestlers again started their protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

No FIR Filed Against WFI Prez Till Now: Sakshi Breaks Down

New Delhi: A court here on Wednesday sought from the Delhi Police a status report pertaining to the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Since April 23, prominent Indian wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, who have achieved Olympic and World Championships recognition, have been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar against WFI chief.

Farmers have also extended their support to wrestlers and had arrived from Haryana and Punjab on Monday to join the wrestlers' protest.

During the hearing, the judge issued notice to Police on protesting wrestlers' plea seeking monitoring of the investigation and recording of the statement of the alleged victims before the court.

The court then directed the police to file the report by May 12, also the next date of hearing.

On Tuesday, Delhi Commission for Women also issued summons to Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal for failing to arrest the accused in the matter of sexual harassment with women wrestlers.

The women wrestlers had approached the Supreme Court and two FIRs were registered on April 28, one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act for allegedly sexually harassing a minor girl and another for sexual harassment of other complainants. IANS

A court here on Wednesday sought from the Delhi Police a status report pertaining to the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Court seeks Delhi Police's status report on sexual harassment case against WFI chief

A court here on Wednesday sought from the Delhi Police a status report pertaining to the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.


New Delhi: Indian ace grappler Vinesh Phogat on Thursday alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Singh is being shielded by the government. Speaking to ANI, Vinesh asserted that their fight is against Brij Bhushan and if he wasn't being protected by the government, he would have been behind bars by now. "Our fight is against brij bhushan but definitely he is getting protection from the government otherwise he would have been behind the jail," she said. Vinesh also claimed that the WFI chief has influence and money power. "He has a lot of money he can influence everyone by giving them money if he stays out he will influence everyone and he will influence the police as well. If he goes to jail his power will be neutralized," Phogat added. While talking about the future of the protest she asserted that the wrestlers will continue to protest until Brij Bhushan is sent to jail. "The protest will go on until Brij Bhushan is arrested and the future of wrestling is secured," Phogat concluded. Protesting wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and others marched from Jantar Mantar to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in New Delhi on their 25th day of protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.  Grapplers including Punia, Sakshi, Vinesh and others joined the march demanding the arrest of the WFI chief charged with sexual harassment of athletes. "We will take this protest to the international level. We will write letters to international Olympians and ask them to write letters in our support," Vinesh said on Monday to mediapersons. Rio Olympic medal winner Sakshi Malik also stressed this point and said that she feels their protest is being confined to Jantar Mantar. "We will step outside of Jantar Mantar. We feel that our protest is being confined. We want our protest to reach everybody because this is a fight for the women of our country," Sakshi Malik told the media. On the other side, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur told the reporters in Hamirpur on Monday, "The committee was formed, and their concerns were also heard. An ad-hoc committee has been formed to start the day-to-day working of the Wrestling Federation by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Trials have also started for athletes. "He added, "Supreme Court has given its judgement. Delhi Police has also registered an FIR and is recording statements. The magistrate is also registering statements. They must have faith in our law and order and end their protest." Earlier on April 24, The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will be forming an ad-hoc committee to conduct the elections for the Executive Committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) within 45 days of its formation, to manage day-to-day affairs of the body, including the selection of athletes and making entries for the participation of players in international events. This committee will be functioning for an interim period till a new Executive Committee takes charge. Delhi Police on Friday filed a status report on the application moved by woman wrestlers in an alleged offence of sexual offence levelled against WFI Chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The court was also informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the matter. (ANI)

Indian ace grappler Vinesh Phogat on Thursday alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) 

"Brij Bhushan Singh getting government's protection": Wrestler Vinesh Phogat

'Brij Bhushan Singh getting government's protection': Wrestler Vinesh Phogat

Gonda(UP): After being accused of sexual harassment by some wrestlers, BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claimed on Sunday that he would be willing to take a narco test if wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia did the same. The president of the Indian wrestling federation made the remark on his personal Facebook page. I'm willing to take a lie detector, polygraph, or narco test, but only if Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia accompany me. If the two wrestlers agree on something, it's time to have a news conference. I assure them I am well prepared for the exam," he wrote in Hindi.
To my countrymen, I reiterate that I will always be true to my word. 'Jai Shri Ram,' Singh chimed in.
Famous wrestlers have been protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since April 23, accusing the BJP MP from Kaiserganj in Uttar Pradesh of sexually exploiting young girls. Prominent protesters include Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik. On Sunday, the lawmaker also addressed constituents in this part of Uttar Pradesh.—Inputs frrom gencies

After being accused of sexual harassment by some wrestlers, BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claimed on Sunday that he would be willing to take a narco test if wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia did the same.

Ready for narco test if Phogat and Punia take it too: Brij Bhushan Saran Singh

New Delhi: With the top Indian wrestlers, who were protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) sidelined president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, joining their jobs, there were claims on social media that the players who were set to discard their medals in river Ganga should quit their jobs.
On Monday, Olympians Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat took umbrage to such suggestions and claimed that the people who are trying to discredit them and force them to give up their fight for justice are now coming after their jobs.
In similarly-worded statements, the top wrestlers claimed that when "life is at stake, job is a small thing".
The statement came on the heels of several reports claiming that the top grapplers have disassociated themselves from the protest and have rejoined their respective government jobs.
The wrestlers issued a clarification that they have resumed work as Officers on Special Duty (OSD) in the Railways but have not withdrawn their agitation.
"People who dismissed our medals as worth Rs 15 each are now aiming for our jobs. When life is at stake, job is a small thing in such a situation.
"If the job is seen to be an obstacle in the way of justice, then we will not take even ten seconds to leave it. Do not show fear of job," Punia, Sakshi Malik and Phogat wrote in their tweets on Monday.
The wrestlers vehemently denied that they have ended their protest.
Bajrang Punia also put out a video message on Twitter telling people not to believe in rumours and bogus claims.
In his video message, Punia said that there is no rift among the wrestlers and neither have they withdrawn their allegations nor their complaint against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh."Please don't believe in claims that there is a rift in the wrestlers. None of the players have disassociated themselves from the agitation nor have we withdrawn the complaint," said Bajrang.
he said a campaign is on to discredit them and try and break their unity.
"Delhi Police have through a news agency tried to spread this rumour that the investigation has been closed as there is no evidence supporting the allegations. Please don't believe in such claims," said Punia, claiming that their fight for justice will continue.
A few days back, the protesting wrestlers were detained by the Delhi Police during their march towards the new Parliament building.
As the protesters tried to breach the security cordon, a fierce tussle broke out -- the wrestlers and cops pushed, shoved and grappled with one another.
The following day, the wrestlers threatened to discard their medals into the river Ganga in Haridwar and go on an indefinite hunger strike at the India Gate.
The wrestlers had gone to Haridwar claiming that they want to drop their medals in the river Ganga. With many people requesting them, they decided to hand over the medals to the farmers' leaders to take a call.
The wrestlers will soon take a call on where to resume their protest.
—<span style="color: rgb(53,53,53);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 14px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji;">IANS&nbsp;

 With the top Indian wrestlers, who were protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) sidelined president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Bajrang, Sakshi, Vinesh assert won't take 10 secs to leave their jobs; claim agitation will go on

New Delhi: Amid Delhi Police's investigation against the outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Commonwealth Games medallist Vinesh Phogat has shared a famous poem 'Suno Draupadi shastra utha lo' on social media, seeking justice for wrestlers. Vinesh took to Twitter to post a picture of a famous poem written by Pushyamitra Upadhyay. "#WeWantJustice," she wrote along with the picture. The 28-year old Phogat has been one of the faces of the wrestlers' protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh against whom a chargesheet was filed on June 15 for stalking and sexual harassment of women wrestlers. Notably, the top wrestlers including Vinesh, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia had halted their protest till June 15 after being assured by Sports Minister Anurag Thakur that a chargesheet will be filed against the BJP MP. The Delhi Police on Thursday filed a charge sheet running over 1,000 pages with statements of around 200 witnesses in the alleged sexual harassment case against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India chie. Besides filing the charge sheet before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mahima Rai of the Rouse Avenue Courts, the Delhi Police also approached the Patiala House Courts seeking cancellation of an FIR by a 'minor' wrestler accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment. The 550-page report filed by the police said that no corroborative evidence was found to support the allegations levelled in the FIR. Soon after the Delhi Police filed the chargesheet in the case, the grapplers began a discussion on their next move but have not divulged much, with reports suggesting that one of the wrestlers has started the training. —IANS

Amid Delhi Police's investigation against the outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

'Suno Draupadi...': Vinesh Phogat Shares Famous Poem, Seeks Justice For Wrestlers

New Delhi: The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved proposals by Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia for training in Kyrgystan and Hungary as they prepare for the upcoming trials for the Asian Games in Hangzhou.  The duo, who along with fellow Olympian Sakshi Malik, was leading a protest by wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh till a few days back, sent in their proposals to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) TOPS team and the same was cleared within 24 hrs of their request.  While Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia will head out to Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan for 36 days training camp, World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat will first head out to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for a week-long training camp and then to Tata, Hungary for 18 days of training, the ministry informed in a release on Thursday.   While Vinesh will be accompanied by physiotherapist Ashwini Jeevan Patil, sparring partner Sangeeta Phogat and coach Sudesh, Bajrang will be accompanied by coach Sujeet Maan, physiotherapist Anuj Gupta, sparring partner Jitender and strength and conditioning expert Kaazi Hasan.  The government will fund Vinesh, Bajrang, their sparring partners, Sangeeta Phogat and Jitender,  and coaches Sudesh and Sujeet Maan's air tickets, board and lodging costs, camp expenses, airport transfer costs, OPA and other miscellaneous costs.  Additionally, the cost for the other support staff accompanying the wrestlers will be borne by Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ).  Both Vinesh and Bajrang are set to leave in the first week of July.  —IANS

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved proposals 

TOPS clears training stints of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia in Kyrgyzstan, Hungary

New Delhi: Indian World Championships and Commonwealth Games medalist Vinesh Phogat said on Thursday that the police have imposed section 144 at Rajghat in Delhi and stopped the wrestlers from holding a press conference.  India's ace grappler, Vinesh Phogat, had announced that a press conference will be held by the wrestlers on Thursday. Vinesh took to Twitter, to announce that a press conference will be held at Delhi's Raj Ghat at 12:30 pm. Along with Vinesh, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik also took to Twitter, to announce the press conference. "Hello everyone Tomorrow at 12:30 pm we are holding a press conference at Raj Ghat in Delhi. Jai Hind," Vinesh wrote in her tweet. Now, she has said that the police has imposed section 144 at the venue and press conference is not being allowed. She also said that the time and place of the next press conference will be finalised.  "The police have imposed section 144 at Rajghat and have stopped us from holding a press conference. Will finalize the time and place of the next press conference soon," tweeted Vinesh.  Last month, Vinesh and Bajrang recieved an exemption from the ad hoc committee from the Asian Games, Hangzhou, trials which will begin on September 23.  They recieved a lot of criticism from wrestlers and they broke their silence by doing a combined live session on Facebook and replying to the accusations that wrestler Antim Panghal made on their exemption from the trials for the Asian Games, Hangzhou. While addressing the accusations made by Antim, Vinesh said during the live session, Vinesh said, "We are not against the trials. I am not blaming Antim. She is too young to understand. She is right in her place. She is fighting for her right and we are fighting for our right. But we are not wrong." Both wrestlers addressed the accusations that have been made against them after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad hoc committee gave them an exemption from the trials and direct entry into the squad in their respective weight categories. Wrestler Antim Panghal through a video communication has raised questions over the exemption given to wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for direct entry into the Asian Games 2023. Delhi High Court also dismissed the petitions moved by wrestlers, Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal, over the exemption given to wrestlers, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, for direct entry into the Asian Games 2023.  Notably, The counsel for BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan on Wednesday argued on the point of charges in the sexual harassment case that hugging or touching a woman without sexual intent is not an offence. The counsel also submitted before Rouse Avenue Court on the point of jurisdiction and limitations in the matter. He said the allegations are time-barred. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal heard the arguments advanced by advocate Rajiv Mohan, counsel for Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The matter has been listed for further arguments on Thursday. This case has been registered on a complaint by women wrestlers. Delhi police filed a charge sheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar. Advocate Rajiv Mohan submitted that the chargesheet has been filed on the basis of allegations levelled by six wrestlers. Section 218 CRPC says for each offence there shall be separate chargesheet, the counsel argued. He also raised the objection in relation to the jurisdiction in the matter. He argued that arguments on jurisdiction and limitation can be heard on the stage of charge. The counsel further submitted, "If we take these allegations, Indian jurisdiction only lies in three of these allegations." Section 188 CrPC has an explicit bar. All allegations/offences that are committed outside India, this court won't have jurisdiction untill the requisite sanctions come in, Advocate Rajiv Mohan argued. He submitted that in the instance of Delhi, court has the jurisdiction. The place of enquiry and trial are specific in CrPC. Within India, territorial jurisdiction lies at the place of instances, unless it's a case of continuing offence, he submitted. Meanwhile, he further argued that the offences like outraging modesty, rape and murder cannot be termed as continuing offences. These are momentary offences, he added. He also submitted that two offences are related to Ashoka Road and Siri Fort. The offence of Siri Fort is only of hugging. Further, he submitted that suddenly touching a woman without criminal force or sexual intent is not an offence. Advocate Rajiv Mohan also raised the point of delay in the complaint and therefore the limitation. He submitted that the complaint is barred by time, no statement is there to overcome the bar of limitation...." saying I was worried about my career is not a reasonable ground to overcome the bar." He further submitted on the criminal intent and argued that the wrestling is such an event, most coaches are male, and female coaches are rare. If a coach out of joy, after an achievement hugs a player, it can't fall under the category of offence. On the point of jurisdiction, the counsel said if we see the complainant and their allegations, all seven allegations are seen in India. There are three in Delhi, Bellary and Lucknow. Section 4 CrPC gives extraterritorial jurisdiction to the court. However, there is a bar on section 4 of section 188 CrPC. The offences committed outside India cannot be tried by the court due to the lack of sanction under section 188 CrPC, the counsel argued. He further submitted that in this light, the complainant's one allegation of Mongolia cannot be tried in India. On the point of an incident of Bellary, Karnataka, he argued that the place of inquiry or trial from section 176 to 188 crpc specifies which trial to take place where. He further submitted that if it is a continuing offence then wherever the offence is committed can be tried. But offences of molestation, rape, etc. are momentary offence. The offence of outraging modesty and using criminal force, these offence cannot be turned into continuing offences, he argued. Section 188 CrPC limits that the offence committed beyond India cannot be tried. Bellary and Lucknow court can try the matter for offences committed there, the counsel argued. He also raised the point of delay in filing the complaint. The complaint was lodged in April 23, offences are of 2017 and 2018. The allegations of Siri Fort is hugging without any sexual advances. It was also submitted that if the stage would have been before 2013 only 354 applied but after 2013 two provisions were created and Supreme Court has said that a specific provision would prevail (354A) IPC. Touching does not involve criminal force or assault, the counsel argued. "There are no statements of the complainant in the chargesheet. These cosmetic grounds would not hold that I was under threat. If you are moving freely and then for 5 years you did not come forward then saying that you were under threat is not a valid explanation", he submitted. The event is such and if a male coach hugs some player out of anxiety is not an offence. Hugging without any sexual advance and is of 2017 and 2018 and the offence of touching is barred under section 468 crpc and there are no explanations for Section 473 Crpc, the counsel submitted. Offence have not been explained in the chargesheet. Until the 239 stage is not complete, the trial cannot be proceeded, he added. He also submitted that before the investigation, an inquiry was done by the sports ministry. The complaint was not substantiated. He referred to a decision of the High Court that has said in a judgment of 2023 that if a matter is filed before a sexual harassment committee and the complaint was not corroborated, the accused cannot be prosecuted on the same ground. —ANI

Indian World Championships and Commonwealth Games medalist Vinesh Phogat said on Thursday 

'Police Has Imposed 144 At Rajghat, Not Allowed To Do Press Conference': Vinesh Phogat

New Delhi: Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik on Thursday announced her retirement from the sport, protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh winning the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election for the top job, here.
Sanjay, a close associate of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan became the new WFI president with his panel winning 13 of the 15 posts in the elections here on Thursday.  "We fought from our heart but if a man like Brij Bhushan, his business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I quit wrestling," said a teary-eyed Sakshi, and kept her shoes on the table in a dramatic announcement.  "We wanted a female president but that did not happen," the 31-year-old, who is also a CWG gold medallist, added.
<a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1737796141113376856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1737796141113376856%7Ctwgr%5E3282bd556d06ad6c1e4a2c64e3fbb3e434f678f5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Fsports%2Fsakshi-malik-announces-retirement-vinesh-phogat-warns-of-more-exploitation-in-wake-of-wfi-polls-2820800" target="_self">https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1737796141113376856?</a>
Ahead of the elections, Olympic medal winning grapplers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi had repeatedly requested Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to stop anyone associated with Brij Bhushan from contesting the WFI polls.  Consequently, neither Brij Bhushan's son Prateek nor son-in-law Vishal Singh entered the fray.  Bajrang and Vinesh Phogat, who addressed media after elections, did not say whether they will retire from the sport.  "It's unfortunate that government did not stand by its word that no Brij Bhushan loyalist will contest WFI election," Bajrang said.  "Upcoming women wrestlers will also face exploitation," Vinesh added.
<a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1737796072272265577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1737796072272265577%7Ctwgr%5E3282bd556d06ad6c1e4a2c64e3fbb3e434f678f5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Fsports%2Fsakshi-malik-announces-retirement-vinesh-phogat-warns-of-more-exploitation-in-wake-of-wfi-polls-2820800" target="_self">https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1737796072272265577?</a>
—PTI

Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik on Thursday announced her retirement from the sport, protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Sakshi Malik retires, Vinesh Phogat, warns of more exploitation in wake of WFI polls

Jhajjar (Haryana) [India]: On Wednesday morning, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reached Virender Arya Akhara in Chhara village of Jhajjar district and interacted with wrestlers, including Olympian Bajrang Punia.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/r1.webp" alt="Rahul Gandhi visit Virender Arya Akhara" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi interacted with the wrestlers and Coach Virendra Arya at the Akhara. The Akhara has been the training ground of several Olympians.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/r2.webp" alt="Bajrang Punia interaction Rahul Gandhi" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

After Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's visit to Jhajjar, wrestler Bajrang Punia said that Rahul Gandhi came to see their wrestling routine. "He came to see our wrestling routine. He did wrestling. He came to see the day-to-day activities of a wrestler," said Bajrang Punia.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/liverpool-go-top-united-rally-to-beat-villa" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/liverpool-go-top-united-rally-to-beat-villa</a> Bajrang's Coach Virendra Arya said the Congress MPs visit was a surprise and they were not informed of this. "Nobody told us that he's coming. We were practicing here and he came all of a sudden...He reached here around 6:15 am...He did exercise with us and then he told us about his exercise and sport. He has a lot of knowledge about sports...Nationals will take place but what would be done with this issue at hand?... What could he (Rahul Gandhi) do, only the government can do something" Coach Arya said. Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Akhara follows a visit by his sister and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi's to the house of Olympian Sakshi Malikkh shortly after she had decided to quit the sport following the controversial elections of the Wrestling Federation. India's wrestling has seen a major shift since the conclusion of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections last week. Former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's aide Sanjay Singh was elected as the new president on Thursday, which caused a major disappointment among the wrestlers who were protesting against former WFI head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. After Singh's victory in the WFI elections, an emotional Sakshi Malikkh announced her retirement from wrestling while addressing a press conference in the national capital. However, there was another twist when the Sports Ministry suspended the newly elected body of the WFI. Shortly after Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, another Olympian Vinesh Phogat announced on Tuesday that she would also return her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Award. On Sunday Punia said he would not take back his Padma Shri award that he returned to the government until justice is given to his "sisters and daughters" fighting against sexual harassment and their perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Union Sports Ministry on Sunday instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc committee to manage and control the affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), as per a source from the ministry.
—ANI

On Wednesday morning, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reached Virender Arya Akhara in Chhara village of Jhajjar district

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visits Virender Arya Akhara in Jhajjar interacts with Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers

New Delhi: Multiple World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat on Saturday returned her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, keeping the two awards lying in the middle of national capital's Kartavya Path after Delhi Police stopped her from reaching the prime minister's office.
On Tuesday, the Asian Games gold medallist grappler had decided to return her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award to the government, saying such honours have become meaningless at a time when wrestlers are struggling to get justice.  Phogat had announced her decision in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  On Saturday, she attempted to reach the prime minister's office to return her awards but the police prevented her from reaching the PMO.  As a mark of protest, she left the awards at the Kartavya Path and they were later picked up by Delhi Police.  Phogat, along with Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, had protested against the election of Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had been accused of sexual harassment by the three well-known grapplers.  Sakshi had also announced her retirement from wrestling soon after Sanjay Singh's appointment as WFI Chief.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/bajrang-punia-urges-sports-ministry-to-restart-wrestling-activities-in-view-of-paris-olympics" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/bajrang-punia-urges-sports-ministry-to-restart-wrestling-activities-in-view-of-paris-olympics</a>&nbsp;
However, the Sports Ministry had later suspended the newly-elected panel for not following the provisions of its own constitution while taking decisions while asking the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to constitute an ad-hoc panel to manage the affairs of the sports body.
<a href="https://twitter.com/Phogat_Vinesh/status/1739640335356358746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1739640335356358746%7Ctwgr%5E67d997c6af3a91d377e88d71ab287cdffca6cb81%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Findia%2Fvinesh-phogat-returns-khel-ratna-arjuna-awards-leaves-them-at-kartavya-path-2830156" target="_self">https://twitter.com/Phogat_Vinesh/status/1739640335356358746?</a>
In her letter posted on X (formerly Twitter), Phogat had said that their lives are not like those "fancy government advertisements" that talk about women's empowerment and upliftment.  Acting on the sports ministry directive, the IOA on Wednesday constitued a three-member ad hoc committee to run the day-to-day affairs of the WFI.
—PTI

Multiple World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat on Saturday returned her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, keeping the two awards

Vinesh Phogat returns Khel Ratna & Arjuna Awards, leaves them at Kartavya Path

New Delhi: The ad-hoc panel, managing wrestling affairs in the country, on Wednesday announced organisation of U15 and U20 National championships within six weeks, hours after junior wrestlers held a protest at Jantar Mantar and demanded dissolution of the IOA-constituted committee.
The panel "acknowledged the concerns" of the young wrestlers who have been hit hard by the year-long protests by top India grapplers. Wrestling activities in the country have been hit hard following protests by the country's top three grapplers -- Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat -- against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.  Neither the National camps nor the junior nationals have been held since January 2023.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/young-wrestlers-hold-protest-against-bajrang-sakshi-vinesh-in-delhi-accusing-them-of-%22ruining%22-wrestling" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/young-wrestlers-hold-protest-against-bajrang-sakshi-vinesh-in-delhi-accusing-them-of-%22ruining%22-wrestling</a>&nbsp;
Hundreds of junior wrestlers lost one full year due to the stalemate.  Bhupender Singh Bajwa, chairman of the three-member panel, assured the junior wrestlers that he would soon organise the sub junior and junior Nationals in Gwalior.  "The (ad-hoc) committee acknowledges the concerns raised by the young wrestlers (during the protest) and is committed to address the issues. The Committee is planning to organise the national championships for the U-15 and U-20 categories within the next six weeks at LNIPE, Gwalior," Bajwa said in a statement.  "The ad-hoc committee reaffirms its full commitment to the growth and development of wrestling in India, fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance. The young wrestlers are advised to continue training and practising for these events," added the statement.  The ad-hoc panel was set up on December 27 after the ministry suspended the newly-elected body under Sanjay Singh.
—PTI

The ad-hoc panel, managing wrestling affairs in the country, on Wednesday announced organisation of U15 and U20 National championships

After junior wrestlers' protest, ad-hoc panel announces organisation of U-15, U-20 Nationals

New Delhi [India]: The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to the Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports and Wrestling Federation of India on a plea moved by Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vines Phogat and Satyawrat Kadiyan challenging WFI circular to conduct selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament.
The bench of Justice Sachin Datta sought the response from all respondents and listed March 7, 2024, for a detailed hearing. The plea by Wrestlers stated that the suspended Wrestling Federation of India WFI conducting selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament notified through its circular on February 26, 2024, against the directives of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Wrestling Federation of India by Indian Olympic Association and Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports. The plea alleged that the Petitioners along with numerous other athletes have been selectively targeted and harassed by WFI for being evidently vocal, outspoken and critical over WFI's blatant illegalities and corrupt malpractices including but not limited to allegations of Sexual Harassment by Federation office bearers. WFI, a National Sports Federation duly recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports held its elections on December 21, 2023. Immediately after the elections, the Ministry issued an order on December 24, abstaining the Executive Committee of WFI from carrying out any activities pertaining to managing and administrating the day-to-day activities of the Federation. The same order further directed the Indian Olympic Association to constitute an Ad-Hoc Committee to manage and control the affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India including the selection of athletes, making entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events, holding sports activities, etc. with immediate effect, until further orders. The plea further stated that despite clear directions to WFI by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Olympic Association of India, the incumbent executive body of WFI had always acted illegally and overstepped the directives against the principles of National Sports Development Code-2011, r/w Judgment passed August 16, 2022, and contrary to the interest of wrestling athletes. Petitioners seek direction to Ad- hoc committee to continue administering the day-to-day affairs and management of WFI or in the alternative Appoint an Administrator who is preferable a Retd. Judge of the Supreme Court or a Retd. Judge of the High Court to take over the affairs and management of the WFI to ensure that the Olympic Association of India follows a time-bound proposed road map to restructure and reconstitute Respondent WFI.
—ANI

Delhi Court notices WFI & Sports Ministry on wrestlers' plea challenging trials for Asian Championships & Olympic Qualifiers amid corruption allegations.

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