New Delhi: Olympic champion shooter Abhinav Bindra has announced solidarity with female wrestlers who are protesting against the sexual harassment many athletes endured at the hands of WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh.
He said it is deeply concerning to see the athletes on the streets and the administration should address all concerns raised by the top wrestlers of the country.
"As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration," he tweeted.
"My heart goes out to all those who have been affected. We must ensure that this issue is handled properly, with the athletes' concerns heard and addressed fairly and independently. This incident highlights the crucial need for a proper safeguarding mechanism that can prevent harassment and ensure justice for those affected. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all athletes to thrive in," he added.
His statement comes hours after star wrestler Vinesh Phogat appealed to her peers to join their protest.
Seven female wrestlers have so far come out against Singh. The group, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, is sitting on an indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar.