WFI President has sexually exploited women wrestlers, I have received death threats: Vinesh Phogat
New Delhi, Jan 18: In a startling revelation, a crying Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday alleged that Wresting Federation of India (WFI) President and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been sexually exploiting women wrestlers for many years and sought the intervention of Prime Minister and Home Minister for his removal.
Vinesh, a world championship medallist and Olympian, also claimed that several coaches at the national camp in Lucknow have also exploited women wrestlers, adding that there are a few women at the camp who approach wresters at the behest of the WFI President.
The 28-year-old though clarified that she herself has not faced such exploitation but claimed that she had received death threats at the behest of WFI President from officials close to him because she dared to draw Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention to several issues plaguing Indian wrestling when she met him after the Tokyo Games.
"I know at least 10-12 women wrestlers who have told me about the sexual exploitation they faced at the hands of (the) WFI President. They told me their stories. I can't take their names now but I can definitely reveal the names if we get to meet the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country," Vinesh said addressing the media after staging a four-hour dharna at Jantar Mantar.
Sitting beside Vinesh, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia said the federation is being run in an arbitrary manner and they will not compete in any international competition unless the WFI President is removed.
In an unprecedented move, the country's top wrestlers, gathered to protest against the "dictatorship" of the WFI President.
Rio Olympics medallist Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha and CWG medallist Sumit Malik were among 30 wrestlers who assembled at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.
"Our fight is not against the government or the Sports Authority of India (SAI). This is against WFI. 'Yeh ab aar paar ki ladai hai' (It's a fight to the finish). We will continue this protest until WFI President is removed," Bajrang Punia told PTI.
"We will not compete in any international competition until WFI President is removed. This is a fight to save Indian wrestling," Punia later said while addressing the media.
Bajrang's support staff, including his coach Sujeet Mann and physio Anand Dubey also joined the protest.
"The dictatorship will not be tolerated," said another wrestler.
Singh has been at the helm since 2011. He was elected President of WFI for the third consecutive time in February 2019.
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Gen Z, Gen Alpha will lead India towards Viksit Bharat, says PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India’s younger generations Gen Z and Gen Alpha will play a decisive role in leading the country towards the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), as the government frames policies with a focus on youth empowerment.
According to a report published by NDTV, addressing the Veer Baal Diwas programme at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister said he places immense faith in the competence and confidence of the youth. “This is the generation that will take India forward. I see their ability and self-belief, and that is why I trust them”.
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Quoting the adage, PM Modi explained that even if a child speaks wisely, it should be accepted, meaning that greatness is not defined by age but by deeds and achievements. He underlined that young people can accomplish tasks that inspire others, and many have already demonstrated this.
However, he stressed that these achievements should be seen only as a beginning, as there is much further to go, with dreams to be taken to the skies.
The Prime Minister said today’s youth are fortunate to grow up in an environment that encourages ambition, unlike earlier times when despair discouraged even dreaming. He remarked that today the country seeks out talent, provides platforms, and aligns the strength of 140 crore citizens with their aspirations.
He highlighted that with the success of Digital India, the youth have the power of the internet and resources for learning, with missions like Startup India for those pursuing science, technology, and entrepreneurship, and Khelo India for those advancing in sports. He also referred to his recent participation in the Sansad Khel Mahotsav as an example of expanding platforms for youth development.
Cautioning against the lure of short-term fame, the Prime Minister urged young people to remain focused and principled. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from great personalities and ensure that their personal success contributes to national progress.
Modi further said platforms like Mera Yuva Bharat aim to connect young people, nurture leadership skills, and provide opportunities across sectors. He stressed that youth are central to every major national effort from space, economy and manufacturing to fintech, sports, skill development, and internships.
On the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 9th January 2022, the Prime Minister had announced that 26th December would be observed as 'Veer Baal Diwas', to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose unparalleled sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
