Neeraj Chopra, Kapil Dev extend support to protesting wrestlers

As protesting wrestlers continue to demand action against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra on Friday extended his support and called for quick action from the authorities in order to ensure that justice is served.

Ace javelin thrower Chopra expressed his disappointment a day after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha came down heavily on the wrestlers for hitting the streets to resume their protests instead of approaching its athletes' commission to lodge their complaints against WFI chief. Chopra said it hurts to see the wrestlers taking to the streets in search of justice.

Taking to micro-blogging platform Twitter, he wrote, ''It hurts me to see our athletes on the streets demanding justice. They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud. As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not. What's happening should never happen. This is a sensitive issue that must be dealt with in an impartial and transparent manner. Pertaining authorities must take quick action in order to ensure that justice is served.''

The 1983 cricket World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev also shared a story on his official Instagram profile to share his support for the protesting wrestlers. He wrote, "Will they ever get justice?' posting a picture of a press conference featuring Bajrang and Vinesh, among others.

Top wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, who have been leading the renewed protests against WFI, asserted that they will not leave the place until a case is lodged in the matter.

Frustrated with the three-month wait, the peeved wrestlers returned to Jantar Mantar to resume their agitation on April 23 and also approached the Supreme Court, demanding the arrest of the WFI boss. It is clear that the IOA has not liked the wrestlers' move.