IMAGE CREDIT - OLYMIPCS
Bajrang Punia Slams Brij Bhushan Singh Over Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification
Olympic bronze medallist and Congress leader Bajrang Punia fiercely criticized former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh for his remarks about Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics. A day after both Punia and Phogat joined the Congress, Singh commented that Vinesh “deserved to be disqualified.”
Singh’s Controversial Remarks
Singh, a former BJP MP, questioned the integrity of Phogat’s participation in the trials, accusing her of cheating. He said, “Can a player give trials in two weight categories in a day? Can the trials be stopped for 5 hours after the weigh-in? You did not win the wrestling, you went there by cheating. God has punished you for the same.”
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Punia’s Sharp Response
In response, Punia condemned Singh’s remarks, telling India Today that Singh’s words reveal his true mentality. “It was not Vinesh’s medal alone—it was a medal for 140 crore Indians. And here he is, gloating over her loss.”
Punia, who serves as the Working Chairman of All India Kisan Congress, also questioned Singh’s patriotism. “Those who celebrated Vinesh’s disqualification, are they deshbhakts? We’ve been fighting for this country since childhood, and they dare to teach us patriotism. They are molesting girls,” he added, referring to the sexual harassment allegations against Singh.
Political and Public Reactions
Punia’s strong rebuke has drawn significant attention, highlighting the ongoing tensions between athletes and Singh, who has faced public backlash over his leadership and alleged misconduct.
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