Sakshee Malikkh Announces Retirement from Wrestling as Sanjay Singh Elected WFI President
In a surprising turn of events, Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshee Malikkh has announced her retirement from wrestling following the election of Sanjay Singh as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president. Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, secured victory with 40 votes against former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran’s 7 votes in the WFI elections held in New Delhi on December 21.
Disappointment Over Unfulfilled Promises
Expressing her disappointment in an emotional press conference, Sakshee Malikkh revealed that promises made by the Sports Ministry to prevent family and close aides of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment, were not fulfilled. Sakshee emphasized that Sanjay Singh, a key figure in the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Federation, had close ties to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Sakshee Malikkh, joined by Tokyo Olympics medallist Bajrang Punia, addressed the press in the capital, breaking down into tears. She thanked the public and the media for their support during the protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and the previous WFI regime, where athletes demanded Singh’s arrest over allegations of sexual harassment.
In a bold statement, Sakshee Malikkh declared, “If Brij Bhushan Singh’s business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I quit wrestling.” The star wrestler expressed her gratitude for the support she received throughout her career, writing a farewell message on social media.
When questioned about Sakshee Malik’s decision, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh downplayed the matter, stating, “I have nothing to do with this.” Singh, the former WFI chief, offered minimal comment on the situation.
Demands for a Female President
Sakshi Malik and other protesting wrestlers had supported Anita Sheoran’s bid for the WFI presidency, hoping for the first-ever female president. However, Anita lost the elections, receiving only 7 out of 47 votes. Sakshee Malik expressed the need for a female president to prevent harassment and highlighted the absence of women in leadership positions within WFI.
The protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP Member of Parliament, stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment against seven wrestlers, including a minor. Top Olympians, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, demanded Singh’s arrest during their months-long protest. The athletes called off the protest after a chargesheet was filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in June.
