Sakshi Malik Named Among 100 Most Influential People Of 2024 List (image- twitter/SakshiMalik)
Olympic medallist Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik was included among the 100 most influential people of 2024 by Time Magazine. She was recognized for her unwavering commitment to championing the rights of female athletes. She has volunteered and led a fight against alleged sexual misconduct within the wrestling community.
After being selected as one of the 100 prominent figures, Sakshi Malik expressed her gratitude through an X post, “Proud to be included in the 2024 #TIME100 list”.
Saskhi Malik along with other prominent figures such as Vinesh Phogat, a two-time World Championship bronze medallist, and Bajrang Punia, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist initiated a protest demanding the arrest of former Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for intimidating and allegedly sexually harassing female grapplers of the country.
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The long battle against Singh began in January last year which drew attention and support both in India and abroad. Their collective outcry began at Jantar Mantar where they demanded immediate arrest and legal action against Brij Bhushan. The allegations against Singh included sexual harassment, intimidation and stalking charges he has denied.
A charge sheet was filed against Singh. Malik, as quoted by Time Magazine said that the fight is no longer just for the female wrestlers in India, but also for the daughters of the country whose voices have been silence time and again. Malik’s effort has resulted in forcing Brij Bhushan to step down from the Presidential post. However, his close associate Sanjay Singh was elected as the president later. Protesting against the decision taken by the board, Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from the sport.
“She did not, however, quit the battle. Her light, and the light of all those standing against harassment, continues to shine,” Time magazine quoted.
Apart from the Olympic medallist, Alia Bhatt, Indo-British actor Dev Patel and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella are the others who got included in the list.
