Former Indian all-rounder Kirti Azad, a member of the Kapil Dev-captained World Cup-winning team, came out in support of the wrestlers and was shocked to hear people refer to it as a “political protest.”
On Friday, Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and the 1983 World Cup champions came out in support of the top Indian wrestlers and exhorted them not to make any hasty decisions in the hopes that the players’ concerns would be heard and resolved.
The wrestlers protested Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual exploitation and harassment. The former India cricketers expressed concern after witnessing images of wrestlers being mistreated and expressed optimism that the law would assist them. The statement was made on the same day that over 170 khaps (clan-based organizations) gave the government a week to take action against Singh.
“We did not win the World Cup in 1983 for Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. I find it extremely odd when individuals assert that it is political. Sakshi Malik, the first woman to win a medal in wrestling at Rio 2016, did not do so for Narendra Modi and the BJP. She did it for the benefit of the nation, Azad told The Indian Express.
Mr. Modi had no qualms about taking photographs with the medal. Kirti Azad
Azad expressed concern over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s lack of decisive action on the matter. He added that they have never hesitated to take photographs with Sakshi Malik following her Olympic bronze medal victory.
“Mr. Modi did not hesitate to snap selfies with the medal and the winner. Mr. Khattar appointed Sakshi as the Haryana brand ambassador for beti bachao and beti padao. And now they are completely silent, not even tweeting about the issue. They were enthusiastically taking photographs, but now, to protect their privacy, they are remaining mute,” Azad said.
Azad, who played in 142 first-class games and seven Test matches, has criticized the government for failing to imprison Brij Bhushan Singh, who has already been accused of sexual harassment on at least 15 occasions. In addition, former Indian cricketers Anil Kumble, Robin Uthappa, and Irfan Pathan have demonstrated support for the elite wrestlers.
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