Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh has blamed wrestlers’ protest as the reason behind Indian contingent’s tally not reaching record-breaking double digits at the Paris Olympics 2024. Sanjay did criticise Vinesh Phogat who was one of three prominent wrestlers at the protest but said that anti-national elements manipulated them to take the drastic step. He feels that Indian wrestlers would have won five to six medals had their preparations not been hampered by the protests.
"If you look at it from the other angle, the protests that took place for 14-15 months, the entire wrestling fraternity was disturbed. Let alone one category, the wrestlers in other category struggled as they could not practice without national and international tournaments. Hence, the wrestlers could not perform well,” Sanjay told India Today.
“We got five months of time and won two medals (one) which I am happy about and I’m not referring to how Vinesh’s medal came or not.”
Former WFI President was accused of sexual harassment and the court is yet to give its verdict, Sanjay feels that the protests were pointless and were a result of conspiracy.
“There was no reason for protest. Some anti-national elements conspired it as Indian wrestling was soaring to new heights. They knew in the upcoming Olympics, wrestling will win 6 medals so they conspired to stage a protest to derail our plans,” the 52-year-old said.
“Anti-national elements were responsible. People who give statement on TV debates, don't they know the rules of UWW regarding weight? “
Sanjay also said that the wrestlers did not sit on protest willingly and were manipulated. He does not want politics to interference in sports.
“No they didn't, wrestlers are often very naïve who know how to practice. They dedicate their lives to win a medal for their nation. I'm saying it from the start, keep politics aside from sports. Till the time there will be politics in sports, we will continue getting mere 5-6 medals in Olympics. Let the politicians do politics. I believe people looking for politics shouldn't make statements regarding sports,” he added.
I addition, he said that every demand of athletes whether it is about personal coaches or other logistics has been met over the last decade. When asked about WFI President, he gave a contradicting answer to what he had earlier said about the protests.
“I'm not saying the protest was wrong, I'm saying the protest went for 15 months and that was not right as the federation got disturbed and couldn’t function properly,” he further added.
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