Chandigarh
Former Indian Hockey Captain, Olympian and three-time MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment Padamshree Pargat Singh has openly come out in support of wrestlers who have been agitating to demand registration of a police case and arrest of President of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
“No one will come out in streets unless one was seriously piqued and harassed to the brim,” said Pargat Singh assailing all those sportsmen snd women who went through similar situations but were now sitting mute spectators.
“It is a such a serious matter. A sportsperson knows how hard it is to come to a National and international level. And if such exploitation of athletes takes place at the highest level, it is even beyond holding one’s head of Shane snd remain part of the sports administration .
Taking a direct dig at the Indian Olympic Association President
and the first woman Olympian to head the parent Indian sports body, Pargat said that “It is so disturbing to discard and dump your own profession. One must not forget what one has got through world of sports. It is all the more ethical and demanding to defend and stand by your fellow sports persons. The agitating wrestlers are not creating indiscipline but are out to cleanse the Indian sports of its dirt and filth. They are fighting a greater battle for neat, clean and Spirts with dignity for all, “ said Pargat.
“I am fully with agitating wrestlers in their fight against the present set up of the WFI.
“It is highly condemnable that inspire of long drawn agitation, no FIR was being registered.
Let the three-Member committee decide who all will administer and control the running of the WFI in future . But culprits of the immediate past must not be allowed to go scot free, “ added Pargat Singh.
Meanwhile statements made by the IOA chief PT Usha acting CEO Kalyan Chaubay criticizing agitating wrestlers for coming out in streets in support of their demands have bern assailed by some others also. Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat said she was both shocked and deeply hurt by these statements.
Though the IOA has an athletes commission, it could have taken Suoervisor motto cognizance of the wrestlers agitation and taken appropriate timely action.
PTUsha should be our protdctor, our shield and not our detractor. She and Zkslyan should stand behind us,” says one ofvhd agitating wrestlers. “Our fight is for justice and cleansing sports of its dirt and filth . It will continue till we succeed,” he added .