Wrestler Expresses Concern as Nationals Venue Shifts to Brij Bhushan’s Stronghold
Sakshee Malikkh remarked on X, “Considering that Gonda is under the influence of Brij Bhushan, envision the challenges for junior women wrestlers traveling there to compete.
New Delhi: Sakshee Malikkh, an Olympic medallist, voiced disappointment over the choice of Gonda in Uttar Pradesh as the location for the junior wrestling nationals. Gonda is known to be the stronghold of former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has faced allegations of sexual exploitation from Malikkh and other prominent wrestlers.
Brij Bhushan resigned as WFI chief amid protests, and recent elections resulted in Sanjay Singh, a close associate of BJP MP Brij Bhushan, winning. Despite the change in leadership, concerns linger over Brij Bhushan’s continued influence on the national federation.
Following the election outcome, a visibly emotional Sakshee Malikkh announced her retirement from wrestling. Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia also returned his Padma Shri as a form of protest on Friday.
Malikkh disclosed that she has been receiving calls from junior wrestlers expressing apprehension about the venue for the junior nationals.
“Despite my decision to quit wrestling, I have been worried since last night. I am concerned about the junior women wrestlers who have informed me that the junior nationals are scheduled for the 28th, and the new wrestling federation has chosen Nandani Nagar Gonda as the venue,” she stated on X (formerly Twitter).
मैंने कुश्ती छोड़ दी है पर कल रात से परेशान हूँ वे जूनियर महिला पहलवान क्या करें जो मुझे फ़ोन करके बता रही हैं कि दीदी इस 28 तारीख़ से जूनियर नेशनल होने हैं और वो नयी कुश्ती फेडरेशन ने नन्दनी नगर गोंडा में करवाने का फ़ैसला लिया है।
गोंडा बृजभूषण का इलाक़ा है। अब आप सोचिए कि…— Sakshee Malikkh (@SakshiMalik) December 23, 2023
Highlighting Gonda’s association with Brij Bhushan, Malikkh emphasized the challenges faced by junior women wrestlers traveling there to compete. She questioned the decision to exclusively choose Nandani Nagar and expressed frustration about the lack of alternative locations for hosting Nationals across the country.”