New Delhi, Aug 14: While India's ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat continues to wait for the verdict on her appeal for a joint silver medal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), Sanjay Singh, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president has blamed the wrestlers' protests in Delhi, for India's dismal show in Paris Games 2024.
Singh alleged that the wrestlers' protests for more than 15 months in Delhi affected India's performance in Paris Olympics 2024. It can be recalled that Vinesh along with Tokyo Olympics wrestling Bronze medallist Bajrang Punia and Rio Olympics medal winner Sakshi Malik led the wrestlers' protests.
The WFI president alleged that the long protests by wrestlers affected India's preparations for Paris Olympics. Had there been no protests, India could have won at least six more medals, he stated.
He also blamed politicians for their remarks and objections over the 100 grams over weight ground for disqualifying Vinesh before her Gold medal fight. He said those who are objecting to the rules, have no idea about the wrestling laws.
It can be recalled that India won only one medal in wrestling as Aman Sehrawat won a Bronze medal in Paris Olympics. Vinesh, who was assured of at least a Silver medal, was disqualified on the day of her Gold medal fight for being overweight by 100 grams.
As far as Singh's remarks on wrestlers' protests in Delhi, several leading pugilists of the country staged a 15-16 months protest against the then WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. He was accused by female wrestlers for sexually harassing them. His arbitrary ways as WFI president, were decried by the wrestlers.
After long protests and court cases, Brij Bhushan finally quit his post and fresh polls were held. But the wrestlers alleged that his nominee Sanjay Singh was chosen as the WFI president, allowing Brij Bhushan to continue his alleged misdeeds.
In the meanwhile, as far as Vines is concerned, she has appealed for a joint Silver medal in the women's freestyle 50-kg wrestling at the Court of Arbitration for Sports and the verdict is expected to come on 16 August.
Already, the verdict has been postponed thrice and Vinesh and India continue to wait indefinitely for justice and the coveted Silver medal. But many in India, including some politicians have blamed the WFI for the unnecessary chaos and poor handling of the entire Vinesh Phogat issue.
