26-04-2023 : Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik expressed his deep concern and disappointment on Wednesday at the current state of affairs where athletes, who have brought pride and honor to India with their achievements at the international level, are now compelled to take to the streets in pursuit of justice. Malik, a veteran politician and the last Governor of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir was speaking in support of the wrestlers who had resumed their protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia, have accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of sexual exploitation and intimidation of women athletes, and have been demanding his arrest.
Malik revealed that he had spoken to Bajrang Punia the previous night and had promised to visit the protest site to show his support. He expressed his dismay and called it shameful that athletes who are celebrated and honored in the country for their achievements are now forced to fight for justice on the streets. He emphasized that when these athletes win medals and proudly unfurl the Indian tricolor, they are invited for tea and pictures with great fanfare, but today they are left with no choice but to protest on the roads. Malik stated that this should be a matter of shame for all, and he appealed to everyone to support the wrestlers in their fight for justice, urging the gathering to grow larger and stronger.
The wheelchair-bound former Governor further highlighted the unfortunate situation where women wrestlers are being asked to provide evidence of sexual exploitation, implying that they are being questioned and doubted instead of being believed and supported. He quoted Chaudhary Charan Singh, a former Prime Minister of India, who had said that when a woman complains of sexual exploitation, she should not be questioned and no evidence should be demanded from her. Malik urged everyone to accept and trust what the wrestlers are saying, and expressed his disappointment at the delay in filing an FIR against the WFI chief by the Delhi Police, stating that it should not have taken more than a minute.
Malik lauded the wrestlers for their courage and resilience in continuing their protest despite facing pressure and assured them that they will emerge victorious with the support of the entire country. He acknowledged the support they have been receiving from farmer organizations and ‘khap’ panchayats, as numerous leaders from these groups, politicians, and women’s organizations have visited the protest site to lend their support. As the protest entered its fourth day since resumption, the wrestlers, under the watchful eyes of their coach Sujeet Mann, began their training at the protest site itself, despite the lack of proper equipment and facilities. Coach Mann explained that they have no other option but to train on the roads due to the upcoming Asian Games and World Championships, which are Olympic qualifiers, and the wrestlers cannot afford to be out of practice.
Malik expressed his solidarity with the wrestlers and their fight for justice, stating that it is not just their fight but a battle for the dignity of India’s daughters. He called for swift action and support from everyone to ensure that the athletes are heard and justice is served. Despite the challenges they face, including training on the streets with limited resources, the wrestlers remain determined in their pursuit of justice, and their cause has gained support from various quarters. Malik’s words of encouragement and support for the wrestlers highlight the urgency and importance of addressing their grievances and upholding the dignity and rights of athletes in India.