'Black day for Indian wrestling': Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik slam Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for WFI's suspension

Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik have described Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) suspension as a “black day” for Indian wrestling, and blamed outgoing president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for the mess.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) on Thursday suspended the WFI, which is currently run by an ad-hoc committee set up by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), for failing to conduct its elections within stipulated time.

As a result of the suspension, Indian wrestlers thus will have to compete as neutrals in the World Championships that takes place in Belgrade, Serbia from 16 September.

“Today is a black day for Indian wrestling. Because of Brij Bhushan and his cronies, the country’s wrestlers will not be able to participate representing the Tricolour.

भारतीय कुश्ती के लिए आज काला दिन है. बृजभूषण और उसके गुर्गों के कारण देश के पहलवान तिरंगे के साथ नहीं खेल पाएँगे. तिरंगा देश की शान है और हर खिलाड़ी का सपना होता है कि वह जीतने के बाद तिरंगा को मैदान में लेकर दौड़े. ये बृजभूषण और उसके आदमी देश का कितना नुक़सान करेंगे.

— Bajrang Punia