Sakshi Malik reverted against the young wrestlers who erupted the protests against her along with Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat. The young wrestlers on Wednesday accused the three for ruining the careers of upcoming wrestlers and also putting all wrestling activities on hold with their protest last year.
Sakshi Malik’s Statement
— Sakshee Malikkh (@SakshiMalik) January 3, 2024
“I have given years of my life to wrestling and retired recently so you can tell how stressed I am mentally. There is an IT cell of Brij Bhushan on social media. These protestors are his people and running propaganda for him. Brij Bhushan was making allegations against us earlier too during the protest,” said Sakshi Malik while talking to media.
Sakshi Malik also went on to say that they do not have a problem with the elected federation, except Sanjay Singh who is a close aide of Brij Bhushan. She also accused Brij Bhushan for targeting her family.
“We only had a problem with Sanjay Singh. We do not have any problem with the new federation body or the Ad-hoc committee. I request PM Modi ji, and Amit Shah ji to ensure that Sanjay Singh has no involvement in WFI. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure our safety. Brij Bhushan (BJP leader & former WFI chief) is targeting my family,” said Sakshi.
Sakshi Malik expressed her desire to include Women in the Federation
Malik said that it would be great to include women in the administration roles in Wrestling Federation of India, for the safety of women wrestlers and also an opportunity to express themselves freely.
She also said that no youngster should face any issues and requested the ad hoc committee to conduct nationals and camps for U15, U17, U20 in prompt time a stated earlier.
Sakshi said that even though she is retiring, she wants the wrestlers to compete in her 58 kg category and better her 2016 Olympics bronze medal by securing gold or silver in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Bajrang Punia opts out of Zagreb Open
Meanwhile, the ad hoc committee has announced 13 member team to compete in Zagreb Open from January 10 to 14. Bajrang Punia opted himself out of the competition because of no mat training in the recent times. Along with him, Antim Panghal also misses out as she will be attending the national award ceremony where she will be conferred with Arjuna award.
When asked about his exclusion, Punia said, “I had recently undergone a thumb surgery. I have not yet started mat training. There is no point going to a tournament without proper practice. I have resumed fitness training though.”
Also Read: Indian Wrestling Protest: Young wrestlers protest against Bajrang, Sakshi and Vinesh
