PT Usha Criticised After She Says Protesting Wrestlers Are 'Tarnishing India's Image'

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha has come under criticism after she said that the protesting wrestlers are 'tarnishing India's image'.

"Wrestlers staging protests on streets amounts to indiscipline. It is tarnishing the image of India," Usha, who is also a nominated member of Rajya Sabha, told reporters after IOA's Executive Committee meeting, on Thursday.

Using the hashtag #StopCrawing, TMC MP Mahua Moitra slammed Usha for her comments. Moitra asked whether the damaging allegations against a lawmaker of the ruling party “makes India smell of roses”.

Reacting to Usha's comments, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said “Am sorry Ma’m we must collectively speak up for our sportswomen not accuse them of tarnishing image…”

Expressing disappointment over the ace sprinter's remark, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal said “That’s how childhood heroes lose respect”.

Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshee Malikkh renewed protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on April 23, accusing him of sexual harassment and intimidation.

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