In a turn of events at the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, the election of Sanjay Singh, an aide to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has led to Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik’s decision to step away from the sport. The announcement was accompanied by a symbolic act of protest, as Malik placed her shoe on the table during a press conference, expressing her discontent. The developments have brought to the forefront the lingering controversies surrounding the WFI leadership and allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP MP, sought to address concerns raised by protesting wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, assuring that there would be no vindictive politics against those who accused him of sexual harassment or protested for his removal as the WFI chief. Singh emphasized a commitment to fairness, stating that wrestlers, if they choose to continue, will be treated impartially and receive support from the WFI.
Singh conveyed a message of prioritizing the sport over personal issues, stating, “We have to look after the game and not the mistakes of the wrestlers. If they will suffer due to their mistakes, then the federation will not be impartial.” This statement reflects an attempt to redirect the focus towards the development and promotion of wrestling in India, despite the controversies surrounding the federation’s leadership.
Earlier this year, Sakshi Malik, along with other elite wrestlers, led a significant protest seeking action against Brij Bhushan for alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers. The protest, which lasted for several weeks, concluded on May 28 when the Delhi Police intervened. The wrestlers officially ended their protest on June 7, following assurances from the Sports Minister that family members or close associates of Brij Bhushan would not be allowed to participate in the WFI elections.
The recent election of Sanjay Singh, considered close to Brij Bhushan, has reignited tensions within the wrestling community. Malik’s symbolic act of placing her shoe on the table and her visible emotional distress during the press conference underscore the deep-seated concerns and dissatisfaction among athletes regarding the governance of wrestling in India.
As the wrestling community grapples with these developments, the focus remains on how the WFI will navigate the aftermath of the elections and address the concerns of athletes who have been vocal about issues of harassment and leadership transparency. The assurances from Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh signal an attempt to restore confidence and emphasize a commitment to the welfare and fair treatment of athletes within the wrestling fraternity. The road ahead for the WFI involves not only managing the immediate aftermath of the elections but also fostering an environment that prioritizes the integrity of the sport and the well-being of its athletes.
