Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha criticized sportspersons who are protesting on the streets, calling it indiscipline and tarnishing the country’s image.
The protesting wrestlers reacted to PT Usha’s remarks and said that they were disappointed.
Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia said, “I am extremely disappointed with PT Usha making such statements, being a woman and former athlete. It’s unfortunate that as a woman she is not able to understand the pain these women are undergoing”
Rio Olympics medallist Sakshi Malik said “I have always looked upto to PT Usha ma’am and idolised her, but today I feel disappointed and let down by her statements. It is unfortunate that she couldn’t understand the feelings of fellow women athletes. As athletes, we don’t have an iota of indiscipline in our blood. We win medals and bring honour to the country only because we are disciplined,” she said.
Senior Congress leader, Shashi Tharoor too reacted sharply to PT Usha’s remarks, he tweeted:
“Dear @PTUshaOfficial, it is does not become you to disparage the justified protests of your fellow sportspersons in the face of repeated & wanton sexual harassment. Their standing up for their rights does not “tarnish the image of the nation”. Ignoring their concerns — instead of hearing them out, investigating them & taking just action — does.”
Dear @PTUshaOfficial, it is does not become you to disparage the justified protests of your fellow sportspersons in the face of repeated & wanton sexual harassment. Their standing up for their rights does not “tarnish the image of the nation”. Ignoring their concerns — instead of…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 28, 2023
The protesting wrestlers have alleged sexual harassment claims against the President of Wrestlers Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Singh.
