“I Quit Wrestling”: Sakshee Malikkh Announces Retirement As Brij Bhushan’s Aide Becomes WFI Chief

New Delhi: Olympic medalist Sakshee Malikkh announced her retirement from wrestling in protest after Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was elected president.

Singh, who served as WFI vice-president and joint secretary, won 40 of 47 votes, defeating Anita Sheoran, the wrestlers’ preferred candidate. This sparked outrage among top wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who accused the government of failing to keep its promise of preventing Singh’s participation in the elections.

Malikkh, visibly distraught, declared her retirement, stating, “If Brij Bhushan’s aide is president, women wrestlers will continue to face harassment.” Phogat echoed these concerns, lamenting, “The future of our wrestling career is in the dark.”

Singh, meanwhile, dismissed allegations against him and his predecessor, calling them “lies against a person of impeccable character.” He also acknowledged his close ties to Brij Bhushan, further fueling wrestlers’ anxieties.

This development comes after months of turmoil within the WFI, triggered by sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan. The international wrestling body had even suspended WFI due to the ensuing legal battles and administrative delays.

With Singh’s election and Malikkh’s retirement, the future of Indian wrestling appears uncertain, casting a shadow over the sport’s progress and raising concerns about athlete safety and well-being.