Sakshi Malik Quits Wrestling After Brij Bhushan Singh Loyalist Becomes WFI Chief

In a heartfelt speech to the media, Sakshi Malik, the bronze medallist from the Rio Olympics, announced her retirement from wrestling, citing her disagreement with Sanjay Singh's election as President of the Wrestling Federation of India as he is a staunch supporter of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. He secured victory in the long-anticipated WFI elections in New Delhi by defeating former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran with a significant margin of 40 votes to 7 on Thursday, December 21.

On Friday, wrestler Bajrang Punia declared his intent to give up his Padma Shri award, following fellow wrestler Sakshi Malik's retirement announcement. Malik retired in objection to Sanjay Singh's election as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, who is known to be a supporter of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Sanjay Singh's panel clinched a decisive win, securing 13 out of 15 posts in the long-awaited polls. This outcome sparked fury among the protesting wrestlers.

In a written letter directed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the national athlete voiced his apprehensions regarding the existing state of wrestling administration in India. He emphasized the allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Singh back in January, which triggered a prolonged demonstration by female wrestlers and Punia. Even after assurances were given, the wrestlers remained dissatisfied with the methods employed, prompting them to resume their protest in April.

Punia recounted, "The struggle persisted for 40 days. Within this period, one female wrestler withdrew her accusation, complicating the case. We faced immense pressure, our protest site was dismantled, and we were barred from demonstrating. This left us bewildered about our next course of action. Initially, we contemplated casting our medals into the river Ganga, but our farmers and coaches advised against it."

Expressing disappointment, Punia remarked on the recent election results, where Sanjay Singh, an ally of Brij Bhushan Singh, won the WFI Presidency. Sanjay Singh garnered 40 votes while his opponent, Anita Sheoran, secured only seven, leaving Punia disheartened.