The contrast couldn't have been starker. The scenes outside the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) office - also outgoing president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's official residence were delirious.
Drums and flowers awaited the newly-elected president Sanjay Singh, but no sooner did Brij Bhushan make an appearance, it was evident who was calling the shots. Brij Bhushan had, technically speaking, nothing to do with Thursday's polls. His tenure as WFI president had maxed out, his son or son-in-law were not in the running, and he doesn't hold any office in the federation too.
Still, when the 66-year-old BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh's Kaiserganj emerged from his office, his supporters literally bent over backwards to seek his blessings. Garlanded and elated, he declared Sanjay's win as a "victory for the wrestlers".
A little over 500m away, in the teeming, sombre first floor hall of Press Club of India, three of India's most accomplished wrestlers sat dejected and defeated. The sight of Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat collectively addressing the media had, in the course of this year, become a recurring leitmotif of the landmark protest the trio has led against Brij Bhushan, a five-time MP.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Aamir-Ajay off-screen reunion makes fans ask for Ishq 2
When actors Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn reunited at an event on Saturday, it left their fans nostalgic.
Blissful Bebo in Saif haven!
Kareena Kapoor Khan is back in the bay from her Diwali holiday in the Maldives, and on Saturday, the actor shared some stunning pictures of sun-kissed beaches and sun-tanned skin from her dreamy getaway with her boys – actor-husband Saif Ali Khan and sons, Taimur and Jeh.
FAKE TICKETS, SCALPING STRIKE A SOUR NOTE
Ahead of some big international gigs in India, we talk to artists and organisers about the rising threat of fake ticketing and black marketeering
He always had a smile on his face: Ssudeep Sahir delves into memories of Nitin Chauhaan
Actor Ssudeep Sahir, one of the first to confirm the tragic passing of his Tera Yaar Hoon Main co-star Nitin Chauhaan, is in a state of shock after the incident. Chauhaan, 35, was found dead in his Mumbai flat on Friday. He allegedly died by suicide.
MCSWEENEY TO OPEN, INGLIS HANDED FIRST TEST CALL UP FOR BGT OPENER
Uncapped Nathan McSweeney won the race to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against India while Australia also handed a maiden Test call up to Josh Inglis on Sunday.
Pakistan win 1st ODI series Down Under since 2002
Saim Ayub hit 42 and Abdullah Shafique 37 as Pakistan raced to a commanding eight-wicket victory and their first one-day series win in Australia for 22 years on Sunday.
Jagan Kumar, the 11-time national motorcycle champion, quits racing
NEW DELHI: It has been an emotional time for Jagan Kumar, the illustrious rider who decided to roll his bike into the garage for good after dominating Indian circuits for around 15 years.
A rivalry and new momentum
Sabalenka-Swiatek battle for the top promises an exciting year in women's tennis
Varun's fifer in vain, Stubbs scripts a sensational chase
South Africa level series 1-1, beating India by three wickets in the second T20I at Gqeberha
Chelsea, Arsenal in 1-1 draw; United win
Chelsea and Arsenal shared the spoils in a tense and at times bruising 1-1 battle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, keeping the London sides level in the Premier League, but still nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
