Enraged over govt inaction, wrestling coach Mahavir Phogat threatens to return medals

Mahavir Phogat, wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar (Pic: AFP)

Enraged by government inaction against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Dronacharya award-winning coach Mahavir Singh Phogat on Friday threatened to return his medals if justice is not delivered.

The country's premier wrestlers, including Olympic medallist duo of Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia and World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat, have been sitting on a protest in the national capital since April 23, demanding the arrest of the Wrestling Federation of India Chief and BJP MP Singh for alleged sexual harassment of seven wrestlers, including a minor.

"I will return my medals if justice is not delivered in the case. The kind of allegations he faces, action should be taken against him and he should be arrested," Mahavir Phogat, who had joined the BJP over three years ago, said.

When asked if had talked to the government or raised the matter at the party level, he said, "No there has been no talk so far."

Also Read: All demands of wrestlers met, let police finish its probe: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

The protesting wrestlers had also threatened to return their medals and awards, including the Padma Shri, to the government after they were allegedly mistreated by the Delhi Police on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, several Khaps in Haryana have also come in support of the protesting athletes. On Thursday, many Khaps held protests including in Hisar, Bhiwani, Jind, and Rohtak, standing in solidarity with the wrestlers and demanding that they should be given justice.

Notably, Mahavir Phogat is the father of wrestlers Babita and Geeta Phogat, who was detained by the police along with her husband on Thursday when she tried to meet the protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar. He is also the uncle of Vinesh, who has been at the forefront of the protest.

Meanwhile, days after facing criticism from all quarters for being insensitive towards the protesting wrestlers, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha on Wednesday met the wrestlers at the protest site to assure her support, saying she was first an athlete and then an administrator. Usha had come down heavily on the wrestlers for resuming their protest instead of approaching the IOA for their issues.

(With PTI inputs)