Days after Commonwealth Games 2022 champion Vinesh Phogat appealed to all athletes, across disciplines, to stand united in the protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Indian sporting fraternity on Friday put its weight behind the protesting wrestlers with Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra leading the way with a plea for 'quick action' to ensure that justice is served.

Besides Chopra, ace boxer Nikhat Zareen, tennis star Sania Mirza, hockey player Rani Rampal, renowned former cricketers Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Madan Lal, and Navjot Singh Sidhu also announced their solidarity with the wrestlers. The development comes a day after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha came down heavily on the wrestlers for hitting the streets to resume their protests instead of approaching its athletes' commission, adding that they are responsible for 'tarnishing India's image'. The wrestlers have accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment and intimidation.