Dronacharya award-winning coach Mahavir Singh Phogat on Wednesday lauded the Central government's move to open the way for talks with the agitating wrestlers, saying he too wanted a fair solution to the issue. Top wrestlers, including Olympic and World Championship medallists like Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have also been spearheading the agitation against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The agitating wrestlers are demanding the custody of Brij Bhushan, who has also been accused of alleged sexual harassment by seven women wrestlers, including a minor. Reacting to the central government's opening of the way for talks, Mahavir said, "If the government which was sleeping has woken up today, then it is very good. We also want a solution, a fair one. That's what wrestlers want too. Whatever be the way, it has to be found."
Earlier, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted late at night inviting the wrestlers for a conversation. "The government is keen to discuss their issues with the wrestlers. I once again invite the wrestlers for this. Asked about the wrestlers earlier meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mahavir said, I don't know whether they met Amit Shah or not. What happened, I don't know. But a solution needs to be found."
A Mahapanchayat is scheduled to be held today at Balali village in Charkhi Dadri district of Haryana, which is also Mahavir's village. He, however, said no concrete decision will be taken in the mahapanchayat. "No concrete decision will be taken as of now as time has been given till June 9. Only after that a decision is going to be taken. Asked about the possibility of Vinesh, Sangeeta Phogat and Bajrang joining the mahapanchayat, Mahavir said he had no information about it. I have no idea about it. I have not spoken to him."
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has also postponed the farmers' protest in Delhi on June 9 demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan. BKU national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait had on Tuesday announced the suspension of the proposed sit-in in support of the wrestlers. He said that on the request of the wrestlers, the farmers proposed agitation in Delhi on June 9 has also been postponed. Mahavir, however, said the future course of action is going to be decided on June 9. "Let's see what Khap Chaudhary (chief) continues to do after the 9th. Our panchayat is also in that connection. Whatever decision will be taken, we should be ready for it and that is why the panchayat is being held."
Defence Exhibition to deepen bilateral cooperation in Colombo
20 people in the same room... no food to eat, such is the condition of 230 passengers of Air India
Prachanda defends India's 'Akhand Bharat Map' in new Par-Building