New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha criticizing the protesting wrestlers brought the former sprinter and Olympian to the firing line. The wrestlers were demanding governmental action against wrestling body chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment.
What appeared problematic for many was Usha's statement that the players must not have protested in the streets, stating that it was not good for the game as well as the country since it was a negative approach.
Those who came forward with stringent criticism of Usha come from various sectors, including politics, cinema etc., other than the sports sector itself.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and president of J&K PDP, Mehbooba Mufti, said that PT Usha shaming women wrestlers despite herself being a sports icon is saddening to see.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra asked Usha if wrestlers protesting tarnishes India's image, the ruling party MP getting accused of molestation and abuse of power and Delhi Police refused to lodge an FIR against the accused despite a Supreme Court order make whether India smell of roses.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that ignoring wrestlers' concerns and not hearing them out, not investigating the allegations etc., tarnishes the country's image.
Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal slammed Usha on Thursday, "That's how childhood heroes lose respect."
Kerala Higher Eduaction Minister R Bindhu said that Usha is undermining her own position and values as athlete through her statement and she must correct her mistake. The women's community cannot accept this stance from the track queen who once ignited the pride of Indian women, she said.