WFI Row | World Cup 1983 winning team supported the wrestlers, said- ‘Don’t take any decision in haste’

New Delhi: Concerned over the possibility of protesting wrestlers throwing their medals into the Ganges, the 1983 World Cup-winning cricket team on Friday urged them not to take a decision in haste and expressed hope that their grievances would be addressed. The solution will be found. Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia went to Haridwar on May 30 to demand the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing president of the Wrestling Federation of India, on charges of alleged sexual harassment, but the medals was not immersed in the Ganges. On May 28, the Delhi Police detained protesting wrestlers on charges of disturbing law and order when they were marching towards the new Parliament without permission. Also read 1983 World Cup winning team said in a statement issued to PTI, “We are deeply disturbed to see the pictures of misbehavior with the champion wrestlers. We are deeply concerned that they are thinking of throwing their hard-won medals into the Ganges.” He further wrote, “Behind these medals are years of effort, sacrifice, dedication and hard work. He is not only his pride but the pride of the country. We request them not to take a hasty decision in this matter and we hope that their grievances will be heard and resolved. Let the law take its course.” Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath, K Srikkanth, Syed Kirmani, Yashpal Sharma, Madan Lal, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Sandeep Patil, Kirti Azad, Roger Binny and Ravi Shastri were part of the 1983 World Cup winning team under Kapil Dev’s captaincy. (agency)