Sakshee Malikkh quits sport after controversial candidate wins Wrestling Federation elections

New Delhi: Following the Wrestling Federation of India's elections, Sanjay Singh secured victory with 40 out of 47 votes, becoming the new chief and succeeding Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Olympic medallist Sakshee Malikkh announced her resignation from the sport in response to Sanjay Singh's ascent to power, citing concerns about the continuation of alleged harassment within the federation.

Sanjay Singh, a close associate of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment from top wrestlers including Malikkh, clinched the presidency. Brij Bhushan, a six-time BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh, stepped down after the accusations emerged.

The elections resulted in Sanjay Singh's resounding win, with Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran, favored by protesting wrestlers, securing only seven votes.

Expressing dismay, prominent wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshee Malikkh conveyed their disappointment at the election outcome. Vinesh Phogat, in tears, expressed concerns over the possible persistence of harassment under Sanjay Singh's leadership, stating a lack of hope for justice in the situation.

Bajrang Punia criticised the unfulfilled promises made by the government and highlighted their impartial stance in the political realm, emphasising their fight for truth but lamenting the election of Brij Bhushan's associate as president.

Sakshee Malikkh highlighted the desire for a female leader within the wrestling body and declared her resignation in response to Sanjay Singh's win, illustrating her decision by placing her boots on the table.

The wrestlers previously staged a protest accusing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, leading to a government-ordered probe and assurances that no associate or relative of Brij Bhushan would contest the subsequent wrestling body elections. Despite Brij Bhushan's kin refraining from participation, Sanjay Singh's nomination was approved.

Sanjay Singh, an ex-vice president of the Uttar Pradesh wrestling body, defended his victory as the triumph of truth. He addressed concerns about his relationship with Brij Bhushan Singh, confirming their closeness and assured fair treatment for all female wrestlers under his leadership.

Brij Bhushan acknowledged the wrestlers and the WFI secretary for his victory, expressing hope for the resumption of wrestling events following the formation of the new federation.

The WFI election process, initiated in July, faced multiple delays due to legal disputes, prompting the international wrestling body to suspend WFI. However, the Supreme Court's recent decision cleared the way for the elections by overturning a stay imposed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.