The Sports ministry on Thursday delivered an ultimatum to the Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and has given him 24 hours to resign from his post, according to sources.

The development comes after Sports Minister Anurag Thakur met with the protesting wrestlers at his residence. Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya were among the wrestlers who met with the minister on Thursday. 

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Brij Bhushan may offer his resignation from the post of President at the Emergent General Council meeting on January 22.

However, he later clarified while talking to India Today that he wouldn't resign with the tag of a criminal. 

"I had said it on the first day if they have any proof then make them public. I also said that if the sexual harassment charges against me are proven I am ready to be hanged," Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh told India Today on Thursday, January 19.

"I want to say this. I have been the president of WFI for 10 years, I have been involved with wrestling since 2008," he added.

"I am ready to face the FIR, I am ready to face the CBI. I am ready to face the highest legal authority in India," he added.

"I can do anything when needed. This is not my personal post. I have asked for an executive committee meeting and whatever they decide, I will do. I am not bigger than them neither am I bigger than the country," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)