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Journalism of Courage
Days after her statement accusing the protesting wrestlers of “tarnishing the image of the country”, Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha reached Jantar Mantar to meet the grapplers on Wednesday morning.
During her brief stay, she interacted with all the protesting wrestlers and told them that she felt for their cause and was with them in solidarity. She also told the athletes that her statement was manipulated and that she never meant to discredit them.
“She told us that she was misquoted and that she is an athlete first and then an official. It wasn’t her intention to hurt us. We really respect her and were glad that she came here to support our cause. We harboured no ill feelings and she made it clear that it wasn’t her statement. It’s good that she finally came. Der aye, durust aye (Better late than never),” said Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia.
Last week, on the day an ad-hoc committee took over wrestling administration, Usha had said sportspersons “protesting on the streets” amounted to indiscipline and were tarnishing the image of the country.
“This kind of agitation is not good for the country’s image and amounts to indiscipline. This negative publicity is not good for the country. We want to be with any athlete who has represented India, but under the rules, regulations and law of the land,” she told the media after the meeting last week.
The wrestlers had reacted strongly to her statement and said that they felt let down. But Wednesday’s outreach by the athletics legend has come as a balm, especially for Rio bronze medallist Sakshi Malik who has idolised Usha.
“She did not ask us to stop the protest but told us that she wants to see us back practising soon and winning medals for the country. She told us that she felt bad that we have to sit here and protest and that she was here in solidarity. We really respect her and the fact that she came here in solidarity is enough for us,” said Sakshi.
“Since the IOA is overseeing wrestling right now, we asked her to organise events for us. And we also asked her to raise our issue in the Rajya Sabha as a women athlete,” she added.
‘Fake news factory working overtime’
Bajrang said that several news outlets and social media handles are constantly spreading misinformation to distract attention. He also spoke about a viral image on social media where Bajrang is seen in a hotel having a meal with his wife Sangita Phogat.
“They are taking old pictures and trying to project as if we are not at the protest site. Women athletes need washrooms and toilets. So we do have a room for changing and cleaning up but we are here 24×7,” said Bajrang.
Sakshi added: “There are media people who stay up all night here and they know that we sleep on the pavements. You can come here and check if you want.”
