Thursday, May 16

“I Quit Wrestling,” Says Sakshi Malik As Brij Bhushan’s Close Associate Wins WFI Elections

Edited by Kabani R
Indian Olympic Association Forms Ad Hoc Committee For Wrestling Body"I Quit Wrestling," Says Sakshee Malikkh As Brij Bhushan's Close Associate Wins WFI Elections (image: screen grab from twitter.com/SakshiMalik)

Olympic medallist and ace wrestler Sakshi Malik announced on Thursday that she is quitting the sport, expressing disappointment over Sanjay Singh, close associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was elected as the new president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

In an emotional speech addressing the press, putting her boots on the table, Sakshi Malik said: “We fought, but if the new president is Brij Bhushan’s aide, his business partner, then I quit wrestling,” NDTV reports.

On social media media platform X, she wrote: “Whatever awards I have won for the country, I have won with your blessings, I will always be grateful to all you countrymen. Goodbye to wrestling.”

Sakshi Malik attended the press meet with Commonwealth and Asian Games Gold medallist Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia.

She said they had gathered a lot of courage to fight against Brij Bhushan, the former WFI chief. “But today, his right hand (referring to Sanjay Singh) has been elected as the new WFI President,” Hindustan Times quotes as Malik is saying. She added that wrestlers had demanded a woman be made the president, but that has not been fulfilled.

Sakshi Malik thanked the public and the media for its support during their protest against Brij Bhushan and the previous WFI rule.

In the elections, Sanjay Singh received 40 out of 47 votes. Anita Sheoran the protesting wrestlers’ preference for the post of WFI president, has received only seven votes. Brij Bhushan, helming WFI for past 12 years had to step down from the position when top wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, accused him of sexual harassment of women wrestlers.

The wrestlers began the protest on January 18 at Jantar Mantar. However, the protest had to end abruptly on May 28 when Delhi Police stepped in and forcefully removed them from the protest site. On June 25, announcing the end of their agitation, wrestlers said that they will fight in court.