Sakshi Malik Quits Wrestling in Protest of Brij Bhushan Loyalist Becoming WFI Chief

Earlier this year, the top wrestlers launched a protest against Brij Bhushan, accusing him of exploiting women wrestlers. The matter is currently in court.

Sakshi expressed her disappointment at Brij Bhushan’s business partner and close aide being elected as the WFI president, stating that she would give up wrestling due to this. She also mentioned that they had hoped for a female president, but that did not happen.

“We fought from our heart but if a man like Brij Bhushan, his business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I give up wrestling. From today onwards you will not see me on the mat,” a teary-eyed Sakshi said and kept her shoes on the table in a dramatic announcement.

“We wanted a female president but that did not happen,” the 31-year-old, who is also a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, added.

Sakshi’s career highlights include winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Games, three Commonwealth Games medals (including gold in 2022), and four Asian Championship medals. She was the first Indian woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal.

Sakshi had been struggling on the mat before the latest Commonwealth Games edition, conceding her spot in the national team to young Sonam Malik.

Although she appeared to be regaining her form during the 2022 Birmingham Games, it should be noted that the level of competition at the Commonwealth Games is relatively weak compared to powerhouses like Japan and Iran.

Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat also expressed their disappointment with the election results.

“It’s unfortunate that government did not stand by its word that no Brij Bhushan loyalist will contest the WFI elections,” rued Bajrang and added that he is not sure if he will continue to pursue competitive wrestling.

The wrestlers had previously organized a protest, which gained significant support from various sections of society. However, the protest lost momentum when the planned march towards the new Parliament building was disrupted by the police.

The protest was officially called off after the Sports Minister Anurag Thakur assured the wrestlers that no family members or close associates of Brij Bhushan would be allowed to participate in the WFI elections.

“With Sanjay Singh becoming president, I don’t think women wresters will get justice because back door politics is still on to break their resolve. About 15-20 girls met with the sports minister and told him about the exploitation and today they are down to just six and they too are being coerced to pull out,” alleged Bajrang.

Bajrang said the ministry has gone back on its word that no Brij Bhushan loyalist would be allowed to contest the elections.

“Following our protest in January, an oversight committee was formed by the ministry. Several female wrestlers had deposed before the panel, following which the sports minister said in front of the media that any person associated with Brij Bhushan will not enter the WFI.

The Tokyo Games bronze winner said it was a long-drawn battle and 2-3 generations might have to suffer before getting justice.

“The fight we have fought, I feel the next one or two generations will have to continue the fight to get justice. We fought with full strength but the promise the government had made, it could not stand firm on that. Very sad to say that,” he added.

World Championships and Asian Games medallist Phogat alleged that women wrestlers could face more exploitation under Sanjay Singh.