Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik has issued a desperate plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention in the ongoing turmoil within the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). In a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Malik revealed that she has been facing threats for speaking out against the federation’s alleged wrongdoing.
Malik, a Rio Olympics bronze medalist, has been a vocal critic of the WFI and its former president, Brij Bhushan Singh, who is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment. While the government initially suspended the WFI, Malik alleges that the federation has resumed its activities, effectively ignoring court orders to cease operations.
“Respected Prime Minister and Sports Minister, I greet you. Last year, after the Wrestling Federation elections, everyone witnessed Brij Bhushan Singh’s dominance and bullying, which deeply troubled me and forced me to step away from wrestling. Following this, the government suspended the federation. However, the federation resumed its activities,” Malik stated in the video.
The wrestler further revealed that the WFI is now putting immense pressure on young athletes, causing her great concern for their futures. “The court questioned how the federation could continue its work after the government had imposed a ban. The High Court put a stay on it, but the WFI did not comply with any orders. When the court reprimanded them again, the federation put the young athletes forward. I understand the difficult position these young athletes are in; their careers depend on the federation. ”
Malik posed a direct question to the Prime Minister, asking, “Prime Minister, if you believe the future of these girls is safe under the federation dominated by Brij Bhushan, then you should lift the suspension. Otherwise, a permanent solution needs to be found.”
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation in Indian wrestling. The allegations against the WFI, coupled with the federation’s alleged disregard for court orders, have raised serious questions about the safety and well-being of young athletes. Malik’s call for Prime Minister Modi’s intervention highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to ensure a safe and fair environment for Indian wrestlers.
