Olympian Neeraj Chopra calls for impartial probe into wrestlers’ harassment claims

New Delhi (India), April 28, 2023: Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has spoken out about the ongoing dispute between Indian wrestlers and the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting against the WFI president since January, accusing him of sexually harassing players for several years. Despite repeated requests, the Delhi Police have been reluctant to lodge an FIR against the WFI president.

In response to the situation, Chopra took to Twitter, stating that it hurt him to see athletes protesting on the streets demanding justice. He called for an “impartial and transparent” probe into the matter and urged the relevant authorities to take quick action to ensure justice is served. Chopra also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, whether they are athletes or not.

However, the protests have been criticized by some, including legendary athlete PT Usha, who stated that the wrestlers’ protests amounted to indiscipline and were tarnishing India’s image.

In response, Malik argued that women wrestlers had come forward to raise the issue of harassment, and they should be allowed to protest. Despite giving statements to the IOA committee and receiving assurances that action would be taken, the wrestlers claim that no action has been taken to date.