The controversy regarding Wrestling Federation of India’s election does not seem to end. After the Sports Ministry suspended the newly formed WFI body, Sakshee Malikkh’s mother Sudesh Malik has expressed optimism about her daughter returning to wrestling if the right people are elected in WFI.
Also Read: Sports Ministry suspends Sanjay Singh-led Wrestling Federation of India over alleged violations
After the results of the WFI election was declared where former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s close aide Sanjay Singh won by a clear majority, protesting wrestlers such as Sakshee Malikkh and Bajrang Punia addressed a press conference. In the press conference, Sakshee announced her retirement and ‘hung up her boots’ in a symbolic gesture.
The suspension of the new WFI was welcomed by the protesting wrestlers. However, Malikkh is yet to announce cancel her retirement, although it is expected she will return to wrestling with the suspension of WFI.
Sakshee Malikkh’s mother on Sunday expressed her opinion on the whole matter. “When Sanjay was named as the new WFI president, we called it a black day in wrestling. Earlier, the WFI elections took place after the wrestlers protested on the streets for 40 long days. Had Sanjay Singh stayed as the president, he would have dominated,” she said.
“The discussion of fair elections should also break the dominance of all the state wrestling federations. If that dominance isn’t broken, then the people in those state federations will vote in favour of Brij Bhushan.
“A female president, who comes from the wrestlers’ community and someone who understands their issues and should be able to listen to their voice, should be appointed,” Sakshee’s mother added.
