Wrestler Sakshi Malik disclosed on participation in Asian Games, said- ‘I will participate only when…’

New Delhi: Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik, who was part of the protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations, on Saturday said the protesting wrestlers will participate in the Asian Games only if they “Issues resolved”. “We will participate in the Asian Games only when all these issues are resolved. You cannot understand what we are going through mentally,” Sakshi Malik said at a mahapanchayat held in Sonepat, Haryana today. The Asian Games 2023 will be held in China in September, however, the withdrawal of wrestlers from the tournament could cost India dearly as Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat were gold medalists in the last Asian Games 2018.

Earlier this morning, Olympian Bajrang Punia said that he will discuss with the government in front of the people supporting him during the mahapanchayat. “Whatever talks we have with the government, we will discuss with those who are supporting and standing with us,” Punia told ANI. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur had said on Thursday that talks with the protesting wrestlers were positive and decisions were taken on various demands.

ALSO READ: ‘Dharna postponed till June 15, agitation not over’: Wrestlers after meeting Anurag Thakur

“It was a very positive discussion with the agitating wrestlers. All issues raised by them were seriously discussed. We have said that the charge sheet will be filed by June 15 and the Wrestling Federation of India elections will be held by June 30.” An Internal Complaints Committee for sportspersons will be constituted and a woman sportsperson or an official will be made its chairperson. He said that the names of two coaches have also been proposed by the wrestlers for the ad-hoc committee of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

ALSO READ: Wrestlers’ Protest: Indian Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik Present 5 Key Demands After Meeting Anurag Thakur – Key Points Here

“He will be made its member,” he said. Thakur said the wrestlers sent a message that they will keep their supporters informed about the talks. “We also want the players to get back on the mat soon and participate in further competitions,” he added. The wrestlers had met Anurag Thakur on Wednesday following a fresh offer of talks from the government.

Delhi Police is probing allegations of sexual harassment against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh following the registration of an FIR.