A group of wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on May 4th, 2023, to protest against the government’s decision to exclude wrestling from the list of sports in the upcoming National Games. The peaceful protest turned violent when police tried to disperse the crowd, leading to a scuffle between the protesters and the police.The wrestlers are demanding that wrestling be included in the National Games, arguing that the sport has a rich history in India and has produced many world-class athletes.
The exclusion of wrestling from the list of sports, they say, is a blow to the aspirations of young wrestlers who dream of representing India on the national and international stage.In a statement issued at the protest, the wrestlers said that they were willing to return all the medals and awards they had won in their career if it meant that wrestling would be included in the National Games. The statement read, “We are ready to return all our medals and awards if the government does not reconsider its decision to exclude wrestling from the National Games.
Wrestling is an integral part of our culture, and we cannot let it be ignored like this.”The wrestlers also accused the government of neglecting the sport and not providing adequate facilities and support for wrestlers to train and compete. They demanded that the government take concrete steps to promote and develop the sport in the country.
The scuffle at Jantar Mantar is a reflection of the growing frustration among athletes and sports enthusiasts in India over the lack of support and recognition for non-cricket sports. While cricket remains the most popular sport in the country, other sports like wrestling, hockey, and football have struggled to gain the same level of attention and investment.
In conclusion, the protest by wrestlers at Jantar Mantar highlights the importance of recognizing and promoting non-cricket sports in India. The offer by the wrestlers to return their medals and awards shows their commitment to the sport and their determination to ensure that it receives the recognition and support it deserves. The government must take note of their demands and take steps to promote and develop wrestling and other sports in the country.
