The victory of Sanjay Singh, UP Wrestling Association Vice President, as the new President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and his panel winning most of the posts in it has led to the shocking news of medalist Sakshi Malik retiring in disappointment.
The reason for this is that the RSS-affiliated Singh is said to be a very close associate to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of WFI who was alleged of sexually harassing female wrestlers and Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik carried out months-long protest to get some action taken against him.
The win probably stings more because Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Sports, had reportedly assured the wrestlers that none of Bhushan’s family members or close associates would be eligible for the WFI election fray.
Sakshi Malik, India’s first female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics, upon seeing the election result in a tearful press conference said “If Brij Bhushan Singh’s business partner and a close aide is elected the president of WFI, I quit wrestling.”
Here is how people, both big names and the common people reacted to the WFI election results.
Vijender Singh
Congress leader and boxer Vijender Singh speaking with ANI expressed his disappointment with the election results and Malik’s retirement.
He said “Being a player, I can understand her pain. The only female medalist in wrestling demanded justice but she did not get it. Pained by this, she retired. The image of India in the whole world would increase or decrease?
The whole sports industry is disappointed. They blame that there is discrimination between boys and girls in Haryana and there are fewer girls. After this, would the parents send their daughters to the stadium?
The parents of the daughters would be concerned that if an Olympic medalist is not given justice, how will we get it. The PM, Vice President, and President all should come and answer why this happened… This raises a lot of questions on the justice system and the democratic structure…”
Read More: Demystifier: Everything You Need To Know About The Wrestler’s Protest Against BJP MP And WFI President
Bajrang Punia
Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia also expressed his dismay with what happened and announced that he would be returning his Padma Shri as a sign of protest.
Putting the medal on the road he told reporters “As I have said earlier we were fighting for our daughters and sisters. I could not get justice for them. Due to this, I think I do not deserve this honour.
I came here to return my award, however, I could not meet with PM because I didn’t have an appointment. PM has a busy schedule. So I am putting my award on the letter written to PM. I will not take this medal to my home.”
Sakshi Malik’s Mother
Sakshee Malikkh’s mother Sudesh Devi spoke with TOI “It was disheartening to witness that Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, got elected, which means that the safety and security of women wrestlers would remain compromised.”
She further added, “But today’s WFI poll result has shocked her to the core, and she was forced into her retirement unceremoniously.”
Sukhbir Malik, Sakshee’s father, also said “It is the death of dreams of several girls who adore Sakshee as their role model. If an internationally famed wrestler like Sakshee’s voice is not heard, then it dashes the hope of aspiring women wrestlers.”
Priyanka Gandhi
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also met with Sakshi Malik at her house on Friday, after her emotional announcement. Gandhi reportedly said, “What has happened to these girls is beyond disgusting.”
Not just them, but several other people online also commented on how this is not justice at all.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: Livemint, TOI, The Indian Express
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: WFI Election, WFI Election results, wfi, Bajrang Punia, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh complaint, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh wfi, Indian Olympic Association, indian Wrestler Protest, Sakshi Malik, vinesh phogat, Wrestlers protest, wrestlers protests Jantar Mantar, Wrestling Federation, Sanjay Singh, Sanjay Singh WFI, Sanjay Singh wfi election
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