Renowned Indian Wrestler Resigns Following Election of Controversial Former Chief's Ally
First Indian female wrestler to win Olympic medal quits in protest after wrestling federation elects ally of former chief accused of sexual harassment
Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik, the sole woman to win an Olympic medal, has declared her resignation from the sport in response to the country's wrestling federation's decision to replace its president, who has been accused of sexually harassing female athletes, with his associate. Malik made the announcement at a press conference in New Delhi, stating that standing up against 66-year-old Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a prominent and influential politician from the ruling party and former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), required a great deal of "courage."
“We gave it our all,” she said, shortly after the announcement of the new president.
Malik, 31, held back tears as she placed her shoes in front of her as a symbolic gesture of retiring from the fight.
"Upcoming female wrestlers will also face exploitation," she said.
"If (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singhs) business partner and a close aide is elected as the new president, I quit wrestling."
Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik is detained by the police during a protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in New Delhi on May 28, 2023.
Arun Thakur/AFP/Getty Images
Malik, who clinched a bronze medal in the women's freestyle 58 kilograms category at the 2016 Rio Olympics, was one of several top wrestlers who backed calls for an investigation in January after allegations surfaced accusing Singh of sexually harassing younger athletes.
In June, Delhi police charged Singh with assault, stalking, and sexual harassment. Singh has denied all allegations and has not been arrested.
Rajiv Mohan, Singhs lawyer, told CNN on Friday, "We are denying these charges entirely. It's not possible that these alleged offenses occurred over the years, in the presence of brothers, husbands, and friends, and no one would speak up. Why would a woman stay silent for so long - three to four years?"
Earlier this year, Malik and several other prominent wrestlers protested against Singh's alleged abuse for weeks, camping on the streets of Delhi. On Thursday, a panel of voters at the WFI appointed Sanjay Singh, a close aide (but no relation) to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as its new chief, reigniting the controversy that has plagued the sporting body for much of this year.
Former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on January 20, 2023.
AFP/Getty Images
Sanjay Singh faced off against Anita Sheoran, a female wrestler who clinched the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. She was outspoken in her criticisms of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and expressed her determination to bring about reforms in the wrestling federation.
Sanjay Singh described his win as a "victory" for the wrestlers who have endured the past seven to eight months. He was quoted in local media reports saying, "Those who want to compete as wrestlers should focus on wrestling. Those who want to engage in politics should do so."
The wrestlers' protest has sparked widespread criticism against the ruling establishment, with rights activists and opposition politicians accusing authorities of obstructing justice. Alongside Malik, fellow female Olympian Vinesh Phogat has been a prominent leader in the protests, bringing joy and pride to millions with her rise to prominence in the male-dominated sport.
CNN has contacted the Wrestling Federation of India and Sanjay Singh for comment.
CNNs Aishwarya Iyer contributed reporting.
