Olympian and wrestling star Sakshi Malik has made an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing threats against her and expressing grave concerns about the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its handling of the sport.
She urged the government to step in decisively to protect the integrity and future of wrestling in India.
In a video message shared on her social media account on X, she said alleged that despite a court order suspending the WFI’s activities, the federation has continued to exercise control over the sport. She shared her distress over alleged threats involving serious accusations of corruption, aimed at silencing her.
“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,” she said.
Explaining her frustration further, Malik detailed how the Delhi High Court had questioned the WFI’s operations despite the government’s suspension. “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,” she stated.
She implored Prime Minister Modi to consider the future of wrestling and the safety of young female athletes, many of whom depend on the WFI for career opportunities. “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,” she appealed.
Malik’s message underscores the turmoil within the WFI and the pressing need for immediate government intervention. The tensions trace back to a 2023 protest led by Malik, along with fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, against the then WFI President Brij Bhushan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by several female athletes.
However, her fellow wrestlers Vinesh and Bajrang had already joined the Congress party, even Vinesh has been elected as an MLA from Haryana’s Julana.