Wrestler Virender Singh Supports Sakshee Malikkh Amidst Resignation and Controversy

Wrestler Virender Singh Supports Sakshee Malikkh Amidst Resignation and Controversy

VoM News Desk | December 23, 2023 | 02:39 PM IST | Sports | Follow on Google News

Wrestler Virender Singh Supports Sakshee Malikkh Amidst Resignation and Controversy

Wrestler Virender Singh Supports Sakshee Malikkh Amidst Resignation and Controversy

In a recent development, wrestler Virender Singh, known as the ‘Goonga Pahalwan,’ has expressed solidarity with fellow athlete Sakshee Malikkh, following her announcement to retire from the sport amid the appointment of a former aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as the new head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Accusations of sexual harassment have been raised against Brij Bhushan by Malikkh and other athletes.

In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Virender Singh pledged to return his Padma Shri award as a symbol of support for Malikkh and called upon the top players of the country, including Sachin Tendulkar and Neeraj Chopra, to consider their stance on the matter.

This gesture by Virender Singh comes in the wake of wrestler Bajrang Punia’s decision to return his Padma Shri award as a form of protest against the prevailing circumstances.

Punia highlighted that the struggle is not against the government but against an individual, emphasizing that the promises made to wrestlers by the authorities remained unfulfilled.

The controversy stems from the recent appointment of Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan, as the new WFI head.

This development has prompted concerns among athletes, with Vinesh Phogat, a Commonwealth and Asian Games Gold medalist, expressing fears of continued harassment of women wrestlers under Singh’s leadership.

Earlier protests by wrestlers in January this year demanded action against Brij Bhushan over allegations of misconduct.

Despite assurances that no associate or relative of Brij Bhushan would be allowed to contest wrestling body elections, Sanjay Singh’s nomination was approved, leading to renewed concerns and protests from athletes.

The unfolding events have raised serious questions about justice, democratic structures, and the treatment of athletes, prompting key figures like Virender Singh and Bajrang Punia to take a stand against the prevailing circumstances in the sport.

VoM News Desk

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