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Protesting Olympic Wrestlers Transform Jantar Mantar into Training Hub
For the past few days, Indian Olympic medalist wrestlers have been staging a sit-in protest at Delhi's iconic protest site, Jantar Mantar, to demand their rights. The reason for the protest is the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and Wrestling Association President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's alleged sexual harassment of Indian wrestlers.
We want justice. #WrestlersProtest pic.twitter.com/ZNzDee2aXr
— Sakshee Malikkh (@SakshiMalik) April 24, 2023
The protest started on Wednesday, January 18, and is still ongoing with full force. Pictures and videos of the protest have been circulating on social media, showing the protesters seated at Jantar Mantar until their demands are met.
Along with their protest, the wrestlers have also been practicing and exercising at the site.In a unique display of determination and resilience, a group of Olympic wrestlers from India including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Sangita Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, practiced their moves and exercises at the protest site of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia expressed, "We are peacefully protesting here. We have shouldered the responsibility of winning medals for the country, and we have achieved that. We cannot step back from it."
The wrestler's protest has now taken a political angle after Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's visit to Jantar Mantar, who came to support the wrestlers. She met with the protesters and spoke to them about their demands.
ये खिलाड़ी हमारा मान हैं। ये कड़ी मेहनत और संघर्ष करके देश के लिए मेडल जीतती हैं। इनका शोषण, इनका अपमान.. देश की हर एक महिला का अपमान है। इनको न्याय मिले - पूरा देश ये चाहता है। pic.twitter.com/8Ro8GrHKER
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 29, 2023
It is worth mentioning that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had earlier protested at Jantar Mantar for the rights of farmers. Her visit has brought a new level of attention to the wrestler's protest and has put more pressure on the authorities to take action and address their grievances.
This protest highlights the issue of sexual harassment that has been rampant in various industries in India, including sports. It is essential for authorities to take strict action against any form of harassment and create a safe and conducive environment for athletes to thrive.
As the protest continues, the wrestler's determination to fight for their rights is commendable, and it is hoped that their demands will be met soon, ensuring that they can continue to represent India on the global stage with pride and dignity.
- PTC PUNJABI
