Wrestlers accuse WFI of manipulative tactics, threaten renewed protest

New Delhi: Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of employing dubious strategies to lift the suspension imposed by United World Wrestling (UWW).

The suspension, initiated in August last year due to the WFI's failure to conduct timely elections, was recently lifted by the UWW.

Malik and Punia alleged that WFI chief Sanjay Singh orchestrated secretive dealings with UWW to secure the suspension's removal.

They have now issued a warning, expressing their intent to resume protests against the federation. The UWW, while lifting the suspension, has mandated written assurances from the WFI, ensuring no discriminatory actions against the protesting trio of Punia, Malik, and Vinesh Phogat.

"We came to know yesterday that Sanjay Singh had done some setting with UWW to get the suspension lifted. Brij Bhushan and Sanjay Singh have left no stone unturned to show that they are above the law," revealed Sakshi in a video posted on 'X'.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, responding to inquiries during the Chess Olympiad Torch hand-off ceremony, stated, "We will let you know what we will do." Malik emphasised that if loyalists of BJP MP Brij Bhushan are permitted to govern the WFI, the protesting wrestlers may restart their agitation.

"Our protest has only been suspended. I might have retired from wrestling, but I will not tolerate Brij Bhushan or his people running the federation and harassing women," asserted Sakshi.

"In the next 2-4 days, we will contact the people associated with our agitation and chalk out the future course of action. I urge the government (to ensure) that Brij Bhushan or his group are barred forever from (running) the federation and some good people are entrusted with the task to do the job. Otherwise, we will have to restart the path of protest," warned Sakshi.

Bajrang Punia echoed similar sentiments in his video message, stating, "Just 2-3 days back, Brij Bhushan's son became the president of the UP wrestling body despite him saying no one from his family will come into wrestling administration. The government had promised that Brij Bhushan or anyone of his relatives or associates will not govern the sport."

Brij Bhushan, who has consistently claimed no involvement in wrestling after completing his tenure as WFI president, faced setbacks when his loyalist Sanjay Singh assumed the presidency during the December elections. Within three days of taking charge, the sports ministry suspended the WFI for violating its constitution by hastily announcing dates for the age-group nationals.

Sakshi also accused the Sanjay Singh-led WFI of misusing funds by conducting parallel nationals in Pune, contrasting with the professionally conducted senior nationals by the IOA-constituted ad-hoc committee in Jaipur.

"The ad-hoc committee conducted the senior nationals in a very professional manner (in Jaipur earlier this month). We welcomed that. Brij Bhushan and Sanjay Singh started breaking all the rules by conducting parallel nationals (in Pune) and threatening the coaches and referees and misusing the federation's money," she said.