A medal for Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics might be a jubilant occasion for the Indian fans, but for Bajrang Punia, it is strong statement that the 29-year-old has made. As per Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Bajrang, this will be a ‘slap on the face’ of Brij Bhushan Singh, who was accused of sexual misconduct against women wrestlers.
On Tuesday, Vinesh became the first woman pugilist from the country to enter the final on an Olympics bout. Speaking to India Today, Bajrang said, “What troubles me is when these daughters of the nation were protesting at Jantar Mantar last year, the Indian government did not utter a single word. Now that she has done well, how will you claim them as the daughters of the nation?”
“Back then, you were dividing them into caste, saying they are Jats, they are from Haryana or UP, the opposition has made them sit here, and the medals that they won were worth Rs 15 only. Even those Rs 15 medals are also won by only three athletes in India,” he added.
Bajrang did not stop there. He added, “Will these guys now congratulate our athletes after trolling them during the Jantar Mantar protest? At that time, they claimed that these wrestlers did not want to give trials… that their careers have ended.”
“Vinesh is the only woman from India to win two medals in the world championships. The Olympic medal is the only one that has been out of her cabinet and I have full faith that she will win the gold medal. It will be a slap on the face of IT cell and Brij Bhushan Singh, who were barking at her. How will they be able to look the daughters, sisters of India in the eye?” he asked.
