Will sit out Asian Games if our issues not resolved: Sakshi at mahapanchayat in Sonipat

Khaps, farmers and women’s rights organisations were present at the event.

The wrestlers are seeking action against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment accusations.  “We will participate in the Asian Games only when all these issues will be resolved. You can’t understand what we are going through mentally, each day,” said Malik at the mahapanchayat.

The Asian Games will take place in September in China. If the wrestlers’ withdraw from the tournament, it will come as a blow for India. Both Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat were gold medalists at the 2018 Asian Games.

Bajrang, an Olympic medallist and one of the key members of the protest, said at the panchayat that no politics is involved in their stir. Speaking to media, he said: “We had called this panchayat to inform everyone the discussion we had. If strong action is not taken by June 15, we will resume our protest.”

Vinesh Phogat was not part of the discussion when Thakur had invited wrestlers for an interaction and she was absent on Saturday too. Asked about this, Bajrang said: “Vinesh is unwell, that is why she is not here.”

“Vinesh is handling the legal issue, there is lot of other work. We are united,” said Malik.

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said Thursday that talks with protesting wrestlers were positive. “It was a very positive discussion with the agitating wrestlers. All the issues that came from their side were discussed seriously. We have said that the chargesheet will be filed by June 15 and the Wrestling Federation of India’s elections will be held by June 30.”