Former Indian hockey skipper Pargat backs protesting wrestlers

Former Indian hockey captain and Congress MLA Pargat Singh on Friday came out in support of wrestlers who have been protesting to demand registration of a police case and arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh.

Former Indian hockey captain and Congress MLA Pargat Singh on Friday came out in support of wrestlers who have been protesting to demand registration of a police case and arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh.

Pargat Singh said the sportspersons have been compelled to hit the streets. (HT File Photo)

Calling it a “serious matter”, Singh said the sportspersons have been compelled to hit the streets. “A sportsperson knows how hard it is to reach the national and international level. If such exploitation of athletes takes place at the highest level, it is a matter of shame,” he said in a statement.

Taking a direct dig at Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha, the first woman Olympian to head the parent Indian sports body, for her statement that the protesting wrestlers lacked discipline, Pargat said “it was disturbing to see her discard and dump her own profession”.

“The agitating wrestlers are not creating indiscipline but are out to cleanse the Indian sports of its dirt and filth. They are fighting a greater battle,” he said.

Meanwhile, former cricketer and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu also expressed shock that no FIR was registered despite complaints by nine sportspersons of recognition. “Any country that insults their women icons is hurting its own pride, these women have brought laurels to the nation. The law must set a deterrent that generations must tremble before insulting women, a good example is the best sermon you can preach,” Sidhu tweeted, announcing that he will join their protest on Monday.