• Sakshee Malikkh says will quit wrestling after Ex Chief's aide wins Federation polls

    Sports
    Sakshee Malikkh says will quit wrestling after Ex Chief's aide wins Federation polls
    Expressing their disappointment, top wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia voiced concerns...

    Digital Desk: In a significant turn of events for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has ascended to the top post, winning 40 out of 47 votes in today's elections.

    However, this transition has been marred by the announcement of Olympic medallist Sakshee Malikkh, who declared her decision to quit the sport in protest.

    The election outcome follows the departure of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a six-time BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh, who stepped aside amid allegations of sexually harassing women wrestlers, including Ms. Malikkh. 

    The protesting wrestlers had rallied behind Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran for the WFI presidency, but she secured only seven votes.

    Expressing their disappointment, top wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia voiced concerns about the potential continuation of harassment under Sanjay Singh's leadership. 

    Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat, on the verge of tears, lamented the lack of avenues for justice in the country, expressing uncertainty about the future of women wrestlers. 

    Bajrang Punia echoed the sentiment, labeling the unfulfilled promises from the government as unfortunate and leaving the wrestling community in the dark about their path forward. 

    The sport now faces a critical juncture, with the hopes and careers of prominent wrestlers hanging in the balance.