On Thursday, 21 December, 2023 renowned Rio Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik announced her quitting from wrestling, protesting against BJP leader and former president of WFI (Wrestling Foundation of India) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh has been appointed as new president of WFI, in Delhi.
Sanjay Singh has a close relationship with former president of WFI Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of harassing female wrestlers but Brji Bhushan Singh denied the accusations completely. Explaining the situation Sanjay Singh said “Is it a crime to be close to the MP?”
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History of Sakshi Malik Case:
Indian female wrestlers had held a massive protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata party’s six times elected MP and former president of WFI. In January the protest was paused because the government promised to investigate the case against Brij Mohan Singh and he would lose all his administrative powers. But in April they restarted the protest again because the government didn’t take any action against Brij Bhushan and didn’t reveal the panel finding against him.
This case spread globally when police tried to detain the wrestler’s protest when they tried to march in front of India’s parliament building. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) had also released a statement to investigate the case thoroughly. In June police arrested Mr Singh, accusing for harassment, making “sexually coloured remarks” and intimidation, but his bail was granted by court.
The wrestlers also asked the Indian Sports Minister to prevent participation of people who have a close connection with Brij Bhushan Singh, delayed for several months. She also demanded a women president from the Wrestling Foundation of India.
After Sanjay Singh’s victory, Sakshi Malik, winner of 58 kg freestyle bronze at Rio Olympic, 2016 conducted a press conference and announced her retirement from wrestling. Breaking down with tears She said “We slept for 40 days on the road.. if Brij Bhushan Singh’s business partner and close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I quit wrestling”.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said because of some issues, the ministry was unable to conduct the wrestling event for 11 months so they decided to conduct under 15 and under 11 events on 28 December and 31 December on Gonda. To his reply Sakshi said Gonda was his area as he is from Uttar Pradesh.
Not only Sakshi Malik, but also wrestler Bajrang Punia decided to return Padma Shri to the Prime minister as he tweeted on X “ I am returning my Padma Shri award to the Prime Minister”. Wrestler Vinesh Phogat who also joined the protest said “ the future of wrestling is dark”, she added “To whom shall we convey our grief… we are still fighting while training”. On Saturday, Deaflympics gold medallist Virender Singh Yadav also announced his Padma Shri as well, he said “I will also return the Padma Shri for my sister and the country’s daughter…”
Congress Ministers supported the wrestlers in this matter and asked questions to the ruling party as to maintain silence on this crucial matter. The Ministry Official said “The WFI elections were held in fair and democratic manner,” and supporting him, the Sports Minister also said that returning Padma Shri was completely Bajrang Punia’s decision but he could reverse it. Though newly President Sanjay Singh remained silent on this matter.
