Wrestlers' Protest Day 6 LIVE: Delhi Police agree to file FIR against WFI chief - Latest Updates, News

IOA to get involved, once again

After they had initially submitted their report after the first round of protests, Indian Olympic Association PT Usha took to her Twitter handle to announce that the body will once again sit to discuss the matters raised by the wrestlers against the WFI.

Here's what the former athlete said:

What the wrestlers said at today's press conference

The protesting wrestlers spoke to the media at a press conference held at 2pm today. Here's what the athletes had to say:

On the protests

"As a woman player it is hard to come from a village to the Olympics. We want to fly. There are people who wants to cut our wings. For 3 days, FIR hasn't been registered. We have gone to the SC. We have faith that we will get justice from them. We want a fair investigation," Vinesh Phogat said.

"Ask the PM why you are silent. When players get medals you stand with them. When they are on the road then you are silent. We want support from all other sports as well. From all different orgs. Women, farmers khaps," Bajrang Punia said.

"It is a shame that this is being asked of us (whether it is a Haryana vs UP thing). We are not from BJP or Congress. We are from India. Definitely he is getting an advantage because he is from BJP. He has the power of money, we have the power of truth," Sakshi Malik said.

On going against Brij Bushan and WFI

"He is the president. Is any federation in the house of someone? The people who have been suspended are still there. When the allegations are on him he will be targeted. There are many allegations against BBSS, we are starting with the sexual harassment ones," Punia explained.

"I can give examples of serious charges made to the committee. A girl was called to a closed room, pakad lena (she was held). Jabardasti karna (to make someone do something forcefully). Is that sexual harassment or what?" Vinesh said.

WFI elections declared void

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have declared the WFI elections, which was slated to be held on 7th May 2023, void. 

They have instead asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to conduct the elections in 45 days and manage the affairs, including selection of athletes for international events in the interim period. 

Bajrang calls for support from fellow Indian athletes

Bajrang Punia has called for support from fellow Indian athletes.

"We all have played and won medals at international stage together. Today us wrestlers require your support," Bajrang writes in a social media post.

WFI elections on hold

The WFI elections, which were supposed to be held on 7th May 2023, have been put on hold, as per reports.

Vinesh Phogat and seven other wrestlers move Supreme Court seeking registration of FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Brij Bhushan Singh pic.twitter.com/D7ptm2DSbf

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2023

BREAKING: Wrestlers approach Supreme Court

The protesting wrestlers announce that they have approached the Supreme Court regarding registration of FIR against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Bajrang Punia echoes Vinesh's thoughts

Bajrang Punia echoes Vinesh's thoughts. He calls for support from Khap Panchayats and apologies for ending the protests based only on political assurances last time.

"Hamare saath rajneeti hui hai"

"Hamare saath rajneeti hui hai (These people played politics with us)," says Vinesh Phogat on ending the protests early last time and requests more support to their ongoing struggle.

Hear what the wrestlers have to say