Wrestlers Protest: 'He doesn't have a heart', Vinesh Phogat said on not getting the support of cricketers in the protest

India's veteran wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik are staging an indefinite strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Wrestlers have made many serious allegations against Brij Bhushan including sexual exploitation. Wrestlers have been protesting for the last six days and are sleeping on the road. The wrestlers have also demanded registration of an FIR against Brij Bhushan.

Several athletes, including Abhinav Bindra, who won India's first Olympic gold, made statements on the matter. However, Vinesh has questioned the silence of many star athletes including cricketers. A disappointed Vinesh said that those who didn't say a word on the matter don't have heart.

Vinesh attacked the cricketers

Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik - Photo: Social Media

Speaking to a media outlet, Vinesh launched a scathing attack on the country's top cricketers, asking why they are silent on the matter when they often comment on the achievements of athletes in sports like Olympics or Commonwealth on social media. He said- The whole country worships cricket, but not a single cricketer said anything. We are not asking that you speak in our favor but at least give a neutral message and say that there should be justice for any party. This is where I suffer... be it cricketers, badminton players, athletics or boxing.

Vinesh said- It is not that there are no big athletes in our country. Cricketers are… They showed their support during the Black Lives Matter movement in America. Are we not even worth it? Vinesh wonders whether it is the sponsorship agreements of the cricketers and other sportspersons that are forcing them to keep quiet or is it the 'system' that they fear.

Vinesh targeted the cricketers

Vinesh said- We do not know whom they are afraid of. I understand they may be concerned that making the statement will affect their sponsorship and brand endorsement agreements. Maybe that's why they're afraid to associate themselves with the athletes who are protesting, but it pains me. You come forward to congratulate us when we win something. Even cricketers tweet when this happens. Now what happened? Are you afraid of the system? Or maybe there's something fishy going on there too. Shall we assume that there is black in his lentils too?

Vinesh said- People say that the head of the wrestler is in the knees, but I would say that our heart, mind... everything is in the right place. Other athletes need to check where their mind is. He doesn't have a heart at all. Vinesh also asked the cricketers and other athletes not to support her when she wins a medal for the country if they cannot support her at the moment.

'Are cricketers scared?'

PT Usha and wrestler face to face - Photo: Social Media

Vinesh said- You put pictures, you do brand collaborations... can't you put a post that there should be justice for us, that's all we request. If we don't deserve his support in this time of struggle, God willing, if we win a medal tomorrow and we work very hard for it, then he may not come to congratulate us. Don't say you had faith in our abilities, because you don't have faith. That's why you are doubting us now.

Sehwag and Kapil Dev supported the wrestlers

Virender Sehwag - Photo: Social Media

However, after this statement of Vinesh, the statements of Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan have come to the fore. Captain Kapil Dev, who won the 1983 World Cup to India, posted a picture of the wrestlers on Instagram and wrote – Will they ever get justice? At the same time, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag wrote – It is a matter of great sadness that our champions, who have brought laurels to the country, hoisted the flag, brought so much happiness to all of us, have to come on the road today. It is a very sensitive matter and it should be investigated impartially. Hope the players get justice.

Harbhajan Singh said- Sakshi, Vinesh are the pride of India. I am saddened to see my country's pride taking to the streets to protest as a sportsperson. I pray that they get justice. At the same time, Irfan Pathan said – Indian athletes are always our pride, not only when they win medals for us.

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