Sakshee Malikkh Bids Farewell To Wrestling: Olympic Star Hangs Up Boots In Reaction To WFI Election Results

In a significant turn of events, Sanjay Singh, a longtime aide of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has been elected as the new WFI president, succeeding Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. This development follows allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, leading to his stepping aside. Olympic medallist Sakshee Malikkh, a vocal critic of the former chief, has declared her resignation from the sport in response to this outcome.

During today’s elections, Sanjay Singh secured a resounding victory with 40 out of 47 votes, while Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran, the preferred choice of protesting wrestlers, received only seven votes for the WFI president position.

Top wrestlers, including Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, expressed disappointment and concern over the election results. Vinesh Phogat, in tears, voiced fears that women wrestlers may continue to face harassment under the new leadership.

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Bajrang Punia, an Olympic bronze medallist, expressed frustration that the government’s promises were not fulfilled, emphasizing that their fight was for truth and justice rather than political affiliations.

Sakshee Malikkh reiterated the wrestlers’ desire for a woman chief in the wrestling body, expressing disappointment that their goal was not achieved. She announced her resignation, emphasizing her objection to the election of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s aide as the new president.

The wrestlers had previously protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in January, accusing him of sexual harassment. The government initiated a probe, assuring that no aide or relative of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh would contest the subsequent elections. However, Sanjay Singh’s nomination was approved, leading to concerns among the wrestling community.

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Sanjay Singh, following his victory, proclaimed it as a triumph of truth over lies and defended the character of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh against the allegations. He assured that no injustice would be done to any woman wrestler under his leadership.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh credited the victory to the wrestlers and the WFI secretary, expressing hope for the resumption of wrestling events with the formation of the new federation.

The WFI election process, initiated in July, faced delays due to legal challenges, leading to the suspension of WFI by the international wrestling body. The recent Supreme Court decision, lifting the stay imposed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, paved the way for the elections.