Sakshi Malik, the Rio Olympic bronze medallist in wrestling, recently announced her retirement from the sport. This decision came in protest against the election of Sanjay Singh, a close aide and business partner of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Sakshi Malik, along with fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, had previously protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, demanding his arrest over allegations of misconduct.
Sakshi Malik expressed her unwillingness to compete under the presidency of someone closely associated with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite concerns, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh assured fairness to protesting wrestlers if they chose to continue in the sport.
The bronze winner in wrestling from the Rio Olympics, Sakshi Malik, recently declared her retirement from competition. This action was taken in opposition to Sanjay Singh, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's close aide and business associate, being elected president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Sakshi Malik has earlier demonstrated against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, seeking his arrest due to alleged wrongdoing, along with wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat. Sakshi Malik declared that she would not participate in a competition run by a person linked to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reassured protesting wrestlers that they would be treated fairly if they decided to stay in the sport, despite reservations.
The business of WFI, the
ministry said, is being run from the premises controlled by former office
bearers. "Which is also alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the
players have been alleged and (at) present the court in hearing the matter,"
it added.
The business of WFI, the ministry said, is being run from the premises controlled by former office bearers. "Which is also alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the players have been alleged and (at) present the court in hearing the matter," it added.The severe criticism from the Sports ministry comes a few days after Sanjay Singh, a former WFI chairman Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's aide, defeated him in the national wrestling body elections.Six-time BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was forced to resign after leading wrestlers in the nation, including Ms. Malikkh, accused him of assaulting women wrestlers sexually.
The top wrestlers, also including Olympic Games bronze medallist Bajrang Punia and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat, hit the streets in January to seek action against the BJP MP. They had called off the agitation following assurances from the government. A probe was also launched against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The WFI elections on Thursday saw Sanjay Singh post a thumping victory against Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran, who was backed by the protesting wrestlers.
Despite assurances that close aides and relatives of BrijBhushan Sharan Singh will not be allowed to contest the polls, the nomination of Sanjay Singh was cleared. Expressing disappoint at the election results, Ms Malikkh had announced that she is quitting the sport. During an interaction with the media, the 2016 Olympics bronze medallist put her boots on the table and said they had wanted the wrestling body to get a woman chief. "But that did not happen. We fought, but if the new president is Brij Bhushan's aide, his business partner, then I quit wrestling," she had said.
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