Congress Reacts After Sakshi Malik Hangs Up Her Wrestling Boots (image: screengrab)
Rio Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik on Thursday announced her retirement from the sport as a protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh won the election for the top job in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Olympic boxing medalist and Congress leader Vijender Singh extended his support to Sakshi Malik and described it as a “serious issue”. He said “being a player, I can understand her pain. The only female medalist in wrestling demanded justice but she did not get it. Pained by this, she retired”.
Vijender Singh also spoke on the matter in a press conference organised by Congress in Delhi. “The parent of the daughters would be concerned that if an Olympic medalist is not given justice, how will we get it. The PM, Vice President, and President all should come and answer why this happened… this raises a lot of questions on the justice system and the democratic structure…” Singh said in the conference.
Several Congress leaders too came forward expressing their support for the wrestler and said BJP continues to shield its MP, who was accused of sexual harassment by these wrestlers.
Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda said on Thursday that his party will take the account of every drop of tear shed by the wrestler.
आँसूओं की बूँद बूँद का हिसाब लेंगे,
आज नहीं तो कल लेंगे। https://t.co/MvvhpxLtbV— Deepender S Hooda (@DeependerSHooda) December 21, 2023
Congress leader KC Venugopal said in a post on X that the BJP government denied her justice. “ “These champion wrestlers brought pride to 1.4 billion (140 crore) Indians. Today, we hang our head in shame that they have decided to retire because the perpetrator of sexual violence against them continues to run Indian wrestling through proxies. During their protest, the Home Minister assured justice but today it appears the BJP has continued to shield the accused MP. India will give a befitting reply to the tears of our wrestlers,” he wrote.
These champion wrestlers brought pride to 1.4 billion Indians. Today, we hang our head in shame that they have decided to retire because the perpetrator of sexual violence against them continues to run Indian wrestling through proxies.
During their protest, the Home Minister… https://t.co/BGWHwQ6Hho
— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) December 21, 2023
Congress leader Pawan Khera said that the BJP has made its intention very clear that they will go to any lengths to protect their people.
