Sakshi Malik Retires amid concerns over Wrestling Federation Elections
In a surprising turn of events, Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik has announced her retirement from wrestling following the election of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's alleged loyalist, Sanjay Singh, as the new president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The election results have raised concerns among women wrestlers, with Vinesh Phogat and Sangeeta Phogat expressing fears of potential exploitation and harassment.
Malik, who had actively fought against the candidacy of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, lamented the outcome, stating, "We gathered a lot of courage for this fight against the WFI President. But today, his right hand (referring to Sanjay Singh) has been elected as the new WFI President. We had demanded a woman be made the president, but that has not been fulfilled."
Sangeeta Phogat echoed Malik's sentiments, expressing disappointment that the wrestlers did not get justice. "It's unfortunate that such people are getting elected to such positions in the country. Now, girls will be harassed again. It's sad that even after fighting against it, we couldn't bring any changes. I don't know how to get justice in our own country," she added.
Vinesh Phogat raised concerns about the potential exploitation of women wrestlers under the new leadership, emphasizing the need for safeguarding their rights and well-being. Wrestler Bajrang Punia, referencing the previous protests against the alleged sexual harassment by BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, criticized the government for not fulfilling its promises.
Sanjay Singh, who secured 40 votes against 7 won by his rival Anita Sheoran, became the new President of the Wrestling Federation of India. Singh is known to be a close associate of Bhushan, according to PTI. Responding to the controversy surrounding his election, Singh told reporters, "It's a triumph for thousands of wrestlers in the country who suffered in the past 7-8 months. We will respond to politics with politics and wrestling with wrestling."
The wrestlers had previously accused Bhushan of harassment, leading to weeks-long protests that ended abruptly on May 28 when Delhi police removed them from Jantar Mantar. Despite the concerns raised by athletes, Singh remains optimistic about the future of wrestling under his leadership.
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