‘It hurts me…’: Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra throws his weight behind protesting wrestlers

They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud. As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not, says Neeraj.

Neeraj Chopra comes out in support of protesting wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar. PTI)

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A day after World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat expressed her disappointment over the lack of support from other sportspersons, javelin star Neeraj Chopra has thrown his weight behind the protesting wrestlers.

The Olympic champion, on Twitter, said that he was hurt to see athletes demand justice by protesting on the streets. “They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud. As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not,” the Tokyo Olympic gold medallist said.

Neeraj is perhaps the first active elite athlete to raise his voice for the protesting wrestlers who are demanding a fair probe against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan who is facing sexual harassment allegations.

pic.twitter.com/SzlEhVnjep

— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) April 28, 2023

Vinesh, who is at the forefront of the protest, spoke to The Indian Express during an Idea Exchange where she said she was pained to see that athletes from other sports, especially cricket, turning a blind eye to them.

Read | Vinesh Phogat asks why top cricketers, others silent: ‘Are you all so afraid?’

“The entire country worships cricket but not even a single cricketer has spoken up. We aren’t saying that you speak in our favour, but at least put up a neutral message and say there should be justice for whichever party. This is what pains me… Be it cricketers, badminton players, athletics, boxing…,” Vinesh told The Indian Express.

We are not on the streets, we are on the soil of India. It is our democratic right to protest. If you feel it is "indiscipline" or insulting why don't come here and solve our problems: Vinesh Phogat.

Video: @AndrewAmsan pic.twitter.com/pustl2Xz9i

— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) April 27, 2023

This is not the first time that Neeraj Chopra has taken a stand on some issue. When Pakistan javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem was falsely accused of taking Neeraj’s javelin to delay his throw at the Olympics, the Haryana athlete came forward to clarify. Neeraj’s statement in support of the wrestlers could encourage other star athletes to come forward.

“What is happening should never happen. This is a sensitive issue and must be dealt with in an impartial and transparent manner. Pertaining authorities must take quick action in order to ensure that justice is served,” Neeraj wrote in his statement.