The wrestling world was shocked when Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik, an Olympic medalist, quit the sport. Her resignation was in protest against the appointment of Sanjay Singh as the new president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), a position previously held by Brij Bhushan Singh, who had been accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers.
In January, wrestlers began protesting at Jantar Mantar, accusing Brij Bhushan Singh of sexual exploitation and intimidation. They demanded his resignation and the dissolution of the WFI. The allegations were serious, and the wrestlers sought justice and a safe environment to continue their careers. The protests gained momentum, with CWG champion wrestler and BJP member Babita Phogat joining and pledging support. The wrestlers also wrote a complaint letter to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), seeking an inquiry committee to probe the allegations and the appointment of a new committee to run the WFI.
The IOA responded to the wrestlers' demands by forming a seven-member committee, including prominent wrestlers M C Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt, to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment. The committee was tasked with completing the probe within four weeks. However, the wrestlers expressed disappointment that they needed to be consulted in selecting the committee members. The IOA extended the committee's tenure by two weeks, delaying the case resolution.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the WFI announced elections on May 7 after submitting the committee's report to the Sports Ministry. However, the report was not made public, leading to frustration among the protesting wrestlers. In April, the wrestlers returned to Jantar Mantar, highlighting that seven female wrestlers, including a minor, had filed a sexual harassment complaint against Brij Bhushan Singh. They criticized the police for not registering an FIR and demanded that the committee's findings be made public.
The situation escalated when the Sports Ministry stalled the May 7 elections and asked the IOA to form an ad-hoc body to conduct the polls within 45 days. Wrestlers moved to the Supreme Court, seeking the registration of an FIR against Brij Bhushan Singh, leading to a notice being issued to the Delhi police. The IOA formed a three-member panel, but tensions continued to rise. In May, a scuffle broke out between the wrestlers and the Delhi Police, resulting in injuries and detentions. The wrestlers faced obstacles at every turn, with their quest for justice becoming increasingly difficult.
The WFI elections, initially scheduled for August 12, were further delayed due to legal challenges. Finally, on December 21, Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan Singh, was elected as the new WFI chief. Sakshi Malik, who had won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, understandably reacted to this decision with disappointment and outrage. In a press conference, she tearfully announced her resignation from wrestling, stating that if Brij Bhushan Singh's business partner and close aide was allowed to become the WFI president, she could no longer continue in the sport.
Sakshi Malik's resignation and the ongoing controversies surrounding the WFI raise serious concerns about the safety and welfare of female wrestlers in India. The wrestlers had demanded the appointment of a woman as WFI president to ensure a harassment-free environment. However, their pleas went unanswered, and not a single woman was given a position of authority in the elections. This lack of representation and the failure to address the allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh sends a troubling message about the state of women's rights and empowerment in Indian sports.
The mistreatment of the protesting wrestlers gained international attention, with organizations like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) condemning the police's handling of the situation. The IOC called for an impartial inquiry into the complaints and expressed solidarity with the wrestlers. However, despite the support from international bodies, the wrestlers faced an uphill battle in their pursuit of justice. The legal system's delays and the lack of accountability for those accused of harassment only added to their frustration and disillusionment.
The resignation of Sakshi Malik, a celebrated athlete, highlights the urgent need for systemic change within the WFI and the Indian sports community. The allegations of sexual harassment and the subsequent mishandling of the case reveal deep-rooted issues that must be addressed. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes, especially women, and ensure their voices and concerns are heard. The wrestling community and sports authorities should work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment free from harassment and discrimination.
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