“I quit wrestling”: Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik announces retirement after Brij Bhushan Singh’s aide wins WFI elections

"If Brij Bhushan Singh's business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I quit wrestling said Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik, announcing her retirement from wrestling on Thursday, following the appointment of Sanjay Singh, an alleged aide of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India.

"We gathered much courage for this fight against the WFI President. But today, his right hand has been elected as the new WFI President. We had demanded a woman be made the president, but that has not been fulfilled,” said Malik, who played a crucial role in the wrestler’s protest against the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. "It's unfortunate that such people are getting elected to such positions in the country. Now, girls will be harassed again. It's sad that even after fighting against it, we couldn't bring any changes. I don't know how to get justice in our own country," she added.


Sangeeta Phogat stated that the wrestlers have been denied justice. Reflective of similar thoughts, Vinesh Phogat expressed concern that female wrestlers would now fall prey to exploitation. Wrestler Bajrang Punia, citing the wrestler’s protests against the BJP MP for alleged sexual harassment, remarked that the government had not upheld its commitment. He emphasized that the athletes were advocating for truth and justice for women, in addition to their active participation in sports and contributions to medal-winning for the country.


Sanjay Singh assumed the position of the new President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Thursday, securing a victory with 40 votes compared to the 7 obtained by his competitor, Anita Sheoran. Known for his close affiliation with Bhushan, Singh expressed that his win was a triumph for the numerous wrestlers across the country who endured challenges in the past 7-8 months. Addressing reporters, Sanjay Singh stated, "We will respond to politics with politics and wrestling with wrestling."

The wrestlers had previously accused Bhushan of sexual harassment, leading to a prolonged protest that concluded on May 28 when Delhi police removed them from Jantar Mantar.