Wrestlers hand over their medals to farmer leader Naresh Tikait, gives 5 days time to the government

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• May 30, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Displeased wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, handed their medals to Bhartiya Kisan Union chief...

Digital Desk: Displeased wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, handed their medals to Bhartiya Kisan Union chief and Balian Khap head Naresh Tikait, who had arrived in Haridwar's Har ki Pauri to prevent them from throwing the medals into the Ganga as a symbolic act of protest against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom they have accused of sexual harassment.

Tikait and the wrestlers have now given the government five days to sort out their demands, failing which the wrestlers will proceed with their plan to submerge their medals in the Ganga.

A large gathering assembled at Har ki Pauri to witness the wrestlers' emotional protest as they arrived with their world championship and Olympic medals. 

Earlier, after reaching Har ki Pauri, the wrestlers stood in mournful silence for about 20 minutes. They then took a seat on the riverbed, holding their medals, and their expressions showed great pain.

The wrestlers have also announced that they will go on hunger strike at India Gate after the immersion program, however, Delhi Police sources have stated that they will not be permitted to protest at the national monument.

"As of now, no formal request has been received from the wrestlers. To proceed with any demonstration, wrestlers must follow protocol by filing a written communication to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in question. The decision on their request will be made in accordance with the established guidelines and procedures," a police source said.

"India Gate is not a protest site, and police will not allow wrestlers to protest there. Ramleela Ground and Burari are just two of the alternative protest locations we will recommend," the source added.