05-05-2023 : Mahavir Singh Phogat, a highly respected wrestling coach and recipient of the prestigious Dronacharya award, has thrown his support behind a group of wrestlers who have been protesting in Delhi since April 23. The wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, as well as World Championship medalist Vinesh Phogat, are demanding justice for alleged sexual harassment by Wrestling Federation of India Chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Mahavir Phogat has gone as far as threatening to return his own medals if justice is not served in the case, stating that action must be taken against Singh and he should be arrested for the allegations he faces. Phogat, who joined the BJP over three years ago, has not yet raised the matter with the government or the party.
The protesting wrestlers have 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. In addition to this, several Khaps in Haryana have expressed their support for the protesting athletes, holding protests in various cities and demanding that justice be served.
It is important to note that Mahavir Phogat is the father of Babita and Geeta Phogat, both successful wrestlers, and the uncle of Vinesh, who has been at the forefront of the protests. Geeta Phogat was even detained by the police, along with her husband, when she attempted to meet with the protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar.