Regarding the rumours that Congress supported the protest, Malik mentioned that it was two BJP leaders…
Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik has levelled sensational allegations about BJP chief Babita Phogat’s involvement within the protests in opposition to the previous Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Malik, in an interview with India Today TV, mentioned that Phogat was not solely a catalyst for the protests but additionally had ambitions to substitute Singh as president of the WFI.
Malik additionally disclosed that Phogat had invited a number of wrestlers for a gathering and wanted them to include complaints about misconduct throughout the federation, together with a number of extreme allegations of sexual harassment. During the interview, Malik mentioned, “Babita Phogat approached us with the concept of protesting in opposition to Brij Bhushan Singh as a result of she had her personal agenda—she wanted to turn out to be the WFI president.” This revelation brings a brand new twist to the continued controversies as quite a few wrestlers, together with Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have come ahead demanding justice.
Regarding the rumours that Congress supported the protest, Malik mentioned that it was two BJP leaders, Tirath Rana and Babita Phogat, who facilitated permission for the protest in Haryana. She was fast to dismiss the hearsay that Congress supported our protest, saying it was not true. This assertion raises the political dimensions of the wrestlers’ motion.
The protests started in April 2023 when wrestlers accused Singh of sexual harassment. The motion gained momentum however confronted inside divisions, significantly as some wrestlers started to be influenced by outdoors pursuits. Malik famous that whereas their protest was initiated at Phogat’s suggestion, her affect didn’t totally drive it. “We believed that having a woman in charge would bring positive change,” she defined, expressing disappointment at Phogat’s obvious ulterior motives.
As the authorized proceedings in opposition to Singh proceed in Delhi courts, the wrestling group stays divided. Both Vinesh and Bajrang have since joined Congress, with Vinesh successful a seat within the Haryana meeting elections. Meanwhile, Malik has chosen to preserve her distance from political affiliations, focusing as a substitute on her athletic profession and up to date ebook launch titled *Witness*, the place she shares her experiences and insights into the tumultuous occasions surrounding the protests.
This unfolding narrative not solely highlights the challenges confronted by feminine athletes in India but additionally raises questions on political manoeuvring inside sports activities organizations. As these developments proceed to evolve, they may seemingly form the long run panorama of Indian wrestling and its governance.
