Karachi, Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from wrestling following the election of Sanjay Singh as the new chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Her decision comes amid concerns about the integrity of the sport’s governing body and unresolved allegations of sexual harassment against its former president.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Sakshi Malik, along with other prominent wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, expressed disappointment and frustration over the election results. Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is currently facing multiple allegations of sexual harassment, received 40 out of 47 votes in the election. Commonwealth Games gold medalist Anita Sheoran, who was the protesting wrestlers’ choice for WFI president, received only seven votes.

During a press conference, Malik stated, “We fought, but if the new president is Brij Bhushan’s aide, his business partner, then I quit wrestling.” Her bold move signifies a stand against the prevailing issues within the wrestling federation.

Vinesh Phogat, a Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medalist, expressed her despair, predicting continued harassment for women wrestlers under the new leadership. She questioned the possibility of finding justice in the country, given the current situation.

Bajrang Punia, an Olympic bronze medalist, voiced his disappointment over the unfulfilled promises by the government. He emphasized that their fight was not politically motivated but a quest for truth and justice in the sport.

The election of Sanjay Singh as WFI chief, despite the controversy surrounding his association with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has raised serious concerns among India’s wrestling community, casting a shadow over the future of the sport in the country.