WFI Chief Sanjay Singh Terms Wrestlers' Protest Reason For India's Bad Show At Olympics; Netizens Hit Back

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Sanjay Singh's latest statement hurt the sentiments of the thousands of budding wrestlers and millions of sports lovers. Analyzing Indian wrestlers' performance at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, the WFI chief said it was an ordinary show by star players. He added that the reason behind no-medal performances was wrestlers' protest, which wasted months of practice.

The wrestlers' protest was staged by hundreds of wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik to demand justice against alleged sexual harassment done by then WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan.

"If you look at it from the other angle, the protests that took place for 14-15 months disturbed the entire wrestling fraternity. Let alone one category, the wrestlers in other categories struggled as they could not practice without national and international tournaments. Hence, the wrestlers could not perform well," Sanjay Singh told media.

However, Vinesh Phogat has already answered the so-called federation gods with her splendid performance at the World Games.

Apart from Vinesh and Aman, who both impressed in Paris, other wrestlers like Anshu Malik (57kg), Reetika Hooda (76kg), Nisha Dahiya (68kg), and Antim Panghal (53kg) were part of India's wrestling contingent, but they fell short of leaving an impact.

Meanwhile, wrestling lovers across the country are now criticising Sanjay Singh on social media platforms for passing such a loose comment. Slamming the WFI chief, some social media users suggested Sanjay Singh to step into the wrestling ring and try locking horns to win a medal if he thinks it is so easy.

Another user asked Sanjay Singh about his achievements adding wrestling is not politics which federation bosses do while sitting in air-conditioned rooms.