Bajrang and Sangeeta
– Photo: Social Media
Expansion
Several well-known wrestlers are returning to the wrestling mat in support of Bajrang, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, who are on strike against Indian Wrestling Association President and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, surrounded by allegations of sexual harassment. Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Kumar, fifth-place finisher Deepak Punia, Asian champion Sarita Mor, who joined the wrestlers’ dharna at Jantar Mantar in January, have participated in the third edition of the wrestling event to be held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) from June 1 to 4. Ready to play for the country in ranking tournaments. The Ad-hoc Committee of the Indian Olympic Association has also sent the entry of these wrestlers for the tournament. Soon these wrestlers will join the national camp to prepare for the tournament.
More than 30 wrestlers will go to Bishkek
Except Sarita Mor, these wrestlers did not participate in the strike this time, but continued to support the wrestlers. The team was to be sent for the ranking tournament after the Wrestling Federation’s elections were canceled by the Sports Ministry. For this, the wrestlers playing in the second ranking tournament were asked about the Bishkek tournament. Ravi Kumar did not play in the second ranking tournament, but this time he agreed to play in 61 weight category instead of 57. Deepak Punia will compete in 86 weight category instead of 92 in Bishkek. Anshu Malik (57) and Sonam Malik (62), who sat on strike in January, have also been selected in the team for the Bishkek tournament. More than 30 wrestlers have been entered for the tournament.
Indian team camp will start soon
The ad-hoc committee, headed by IOA working member Bhupender Singh Bajwa, on Monday held a meeting with the chief coaches of the men’s and women’s freestyle teams, as well as the Greco-Roman team and officials of the sports authority, to resume wrestling activities. In the meeting, discussion was held on setting up a national camp at the earliest for the preparation of wrestlers. The camp of the team going to Bishkek will be started soon. The ranking wrestling tournament is to be played in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) from June 1 to 4, which is important for the Asian Games.
Farmers broke barricades, police denied any untoward incident
On Monday, several farmers broke police barricades to join the wrestlers’ protest. However, the Delhi Police has denied any untoward incident. Videos that surfaced in the wake of the incident showed farmers climbing, dragging and pushing barricades. New Delhi’s Deputy Commissioner of Police Pranav Tayal tweeted, “In a hurry to reach the picket site, some farmers tried to break the rules. Barricades were removed to take the farmers to the protest site and they were appealed to protest peacefully. There were no police clashes with the protesters. Facilities are being given to the protesters at Jantar Mantar. Everyone is requested not to pay heed to rumours.
