Wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia break down throughout a press convention after WFI election at Press Club in New Delhi on December 21, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik on Thursday introduced her retirement from the game, protesting in opposition to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh successful the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election for the highest job, in New Delhi.
Sanjay, a detailed affiliate of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan turned the brand new WFI president along with his panel successful 13 of the 15 posts within the elections in New Delhi on Thursday.
“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 quit wrestling,” stated a teary-eyed Sakshi, and saved her sneakers on the desk in a dramatic announcement.
“We wanted a female president but that did not happen,” the 31-year-old, who can also be a CWG gold medallist, added.
Ahead of the elections, Oylmpic medal successful grapplers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi had repeatedly requested Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to cease anybody related to Brij Bhushan from contesting the WFI polls.
Consequently, neither Brij Bhushan’s son Prateek nor son-in-law Vishal Singh entered the fray.
Bajrang and Vinesh Phogat, who addressed media after elections, didn’t say whether or not they are going to retire from the game.
“It’s unfortunate that government did not stand by its word that no Brij Bhushan loyalist will contest WFI election,” Bajrang stated.
“Upcoming women wrestlers will also face exploitation,” Vinesh added.
