Vinesh Phogat expresses disappointment at PM Narendra Modi, says ‘If he feels genuinely about…’

New Delhi: Wrester Vinesh Phogat expressed her disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence when she along with Olympic medllists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik led protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh – accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The trio along with other fellow wrestlers staged a sit-in protest in front of Jantar Mantar in the Capital in January.

While Brij Bhushan repeatedly denied any wrongdoings, the wrestlers continued their protests until the central government promised to investigate the matter by making an oversight committee. With no action taken, the wrestlers resumed their protests once again in April. Several political leaders and sports persons showed solidarity with the wrestlers.

With not a single word from PM Modi, the wrestlers decided to march towards the new Parliament house, leading to a major clash with the police. Punia, who was leading the protests even spoke about how they were manhandled by the police.

Phogat, who recently has been in headlines for her Paris Olympics disqualification, stated that PM Modi doesn’t have genuine feeling about sports. “If he feels genuinely about sports and has genuine love for sports people, I don’t think he could have stopped himself from reaching out after such a major thing happened (protests)…,” Phogat told Indian Express.

“To say nothing even when he knows everything … that is not genuine love for sportspersons,” she added. After her disqualification on August 7, PM Modi had termed Phogat ‘Champion of Champions’. When asked about that, Phogat responded, “When did he tweet? A whole day after I reached the final.

“He calls all the athletes immediately. The weigh-in issue happened the next day. Why didn’t I get a call from the PM once I reached the final?” she asked. “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing,” PM Modi had written on August 7.

“At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you. @Phogat_Vinesh,” he added. However, Phogat quit wrestling after her disqualification and recently joined politics. Along with Bajrang Punia, Phogat joined Congress and is expected contest in the upcoming Haryana Assembly Elections.