Wed 31 May 2023:

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has released a statement condemning the treatment and detention of India’s wrestling legends, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, who have been protesting since April 23 against the World Wrestling Federation (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh over allegation of sexual harassment, including a minor.

Expressing concern and disappointment over any concrete results in the investigations thus far, UWW released a statement on Tuesday ‘urging the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.’

‘DICTATORSHIP’: PROTESTING INDIAN WRESTLERS CHARGED WITH RIOTING

It further stated that it will hold a meeting with the protesting wrestlers to enquire about their safety. “The UWW reconfirm our support to a fair and just resolution of their concerns,” read the statement.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been given a three-member committee 45 days to hold elections to appoint a new working body of the World Wrestling Federation (WFI).

Wrestling's world governing body has issued its first statement about the protests by the Indian wrestlers. pic.twitter.com/7mJxWoomQv

— ESPN India (@ESPNIndia) May 30, 2023

The UWW warned that if they failed to meet the deadline, they could suspend the federation and force athletes to compete under a neutral flag.

A neutral athlete is defined as those who can compete in international sports events without representing a country or the national flag.

Wrestlers return without immersing medals in Ganga

On a drama-filled Tuesday, some of India’s best wrestlers accompanied by hundreds of supporters gathered here on the banks of the Ganga, threatening to immerse their World and Olympic medals in the holy river but refrained after being convinced by Khap and farmer leaders who sought five days to address their grievances.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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