On Wednesday, a protest erupted at Jantar Mantar where hundreds of junior wrestlers voiced their grievances against Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia.
Sakshi Malik, who recently announced her retirement from wrestling, expressed concern over the rising influence of former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and his associates. Following Sanjay Singh’s election as president, close ties to Brij Bhushan have allegedly led to threatening calls to Sakshi’s mother, prompting her to demand government intervention for their safety.
A significant development unfolded amidst the WFI controversy as a protest emerged at Jantar Mantar. Junior wrestlers from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi gathered, brandishing banners with messages like “UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers,” targeting Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat. The trio had been vocal in accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment, becoming the face of the opposition against him.
Sakshi, addressing the situation, highlighted the unilateral decision-making of Brij Bhushan, declaring nationals without consultation. She emphasized stepping away from wrestling and urged aspiring junior girls to achieve what she couldn’t, aiming for silver and gold for the nation. Concerned about the backlash affecting junior wrestlers, she stressed the need to shield them from any repercussions tied to the ongoing controversy.
Sakshi expressed no qualms about the new federation or the ad-hoc committee, emphasizing the issue with Brij Bhushan’s aide, Sanjay Singh.
Following Sakshi’s retirement announcement, Bajrang Punia placed his Padma Shri on the ground, while Vinesh Phogat relinquished her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards, citing exhaustion. Sakshi Malik, upon being asked about contesting in the WFI election, expressed feeling mentally and physically drained, expressing surprise at Sanjay Singh’s election as president.
The WFI faced suspension by the sports ministry for disregarding regulations in announcing nationals, prompting the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad hoc committee to manage federation affairs temporarily.
Sanjay Singh, president of the suspended WFI, dismissed recognition of the ad hoc committee and vowed to host national championships. Despite this, he faces potential opposition from state associations unwilling to send teams for the Nationals. Singh stated plans for an Executive Committee meeting, aiming to organize Nationals before the ad-hoc committee can do so, asserting that the suspended WFI has not violated any rules and communicated this to the sports ministry.
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