BCCI President Roger Binny has clarified that he did not issue any statement regarding the ongoing wrestlers’ protest, contrary to certain media reports. Binny emphasized that he believes the competent authorities are working towards resolving the issue and stated his belief that sports should remain separate from politics. His comments came in response to a statement made by his fellow 1983 World Cup teammates, expressing concern over the manhandling of wrestlers during the protests.
The 1983 World Cup winners expressed their distress and disturbance at the visuals of champion wrestlers being mistreated. They also expressed concern over the wrestlers’ contemplation of discarding their hard-earned medals into the River Ganga. The statement highlighted the years of effort, sacrifice, determination, and grit that went into earning those medals, emphasizing their significance as not only personal achievements but also sources of pride for the nation. The players urged the wrestlers not to make any hasty decisions and hoped for a swift resolution of their grievances while upholding the importance of respecting the law.
Separately, former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad lent his support to the protesting wrestlers and expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the issue. Azad condemned the treatment of the wrestlers by the Delhi Police, stating that these athletes had worked hard and brought respect to the country through their sports achievements, deserving justice and fair treatment.
Azad expressed his disappointment at the wrestlers having to resort to the Supreme Court to file a First Information Report (FIR) and, despite their efforts, not receiving the justice they sought, resulting in their contemplation of immersing their medals in the River Ganga. He urged them not to take such a step, emphasizing that the medals were a source of national pride. Azad called for a swift resolution of the wrestlers’ grievances, highlighting the need for justice to be served.
Regarding former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, Azad voiced his belief that immediate action should have been taken when multiple female wrestlers accused him, considering the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Azad expressed his view that Singh should have been arrested without delay.
The statements from Binny and Azad reflect different perspectives on the wrestlers’ protest and the handling of the situation. Binny maintains the stance that sports and politics should not be intertwined, while Azad expresses support for the wrestlers and raises concerns over their treatment and the need for justice. The contrasting viewpoints highlight the complexity of the issue and the varying opinions within the sports community.
