Anurag Thakur Advises Wrestlers To Await Delhi Police's Investigation Conclusion
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur emphasized the importance of allowing the Delhi Police to conclude their investigation before taking any actions that could harm the sport of wrestling or its aspiring athletes. He urged wrestlers to exercise patience and trust the investigative process. Thakur reiterated the government's support for sports and sportspersons, highlighting the significant increase in the sports budget from ₹874 crore to ₹2782 crore under the Modi government. He also mentioned the introduction of schemes like Khelo India and the Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS), which aim to provide opportunities for athletes to excel and the substantial investment of crores of rupees in training sportspersons. Thakur further stated that the government is currently constructing 300 major sports infrastructures across the nation, with an estimated cost of ₹2700 crore.
The Sports Minister expressed the government's commitment to exceeding the expectations of sportspersons and reiterated their desire for India to excel in every sport. He acknowledged the demands of the wrestlers and mentioned the formation of a committee to address their concerns. Thakur assured that the committee considered all their requests and submitted its report. Subsequently, an FIR was filed by the Delhi Police based on the committee's findings. Thakur emphasized that in the past 75 years, whenever allegations have been raised, they have been thoroughly investigated.
Addressing the wrestlers directly, Thakur advised them to trust the Supreme Court, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), and the police, as they are responsible for ensuring a fair investigation. He assured the wrestlers that if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation, they have the right to protest. Thakur also mentioned that elections for the position of WFI President will be conducted soon. He noted that Brij Bhushan, the former president, has already stepped aside, indicating that necessary changes are taking place within the wrestling federation. However, he emphasized that the investigation will proceed in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country.
In conclusion, Anurag Thakur, the Union Sports Minister, encouraged wrestlers to exercise patience and trust the ongoing investigation by the Delhi Police. He highlighted the government's commitment to supporting sports and sportspersons, along with the various initiatives and investments made to improve the sporting landscape in India. Thakur assured the wrestlers that their demands were taken seriously and addressed through the committee's report. He urged them to have faith in the institutions responsible for ensuring a fair investigation and reiterated that if they are dissatisfied with the outcome, they have the right to protest.
