The Olympic medalist woman wrestler Sakshi Malik has opened up on Sports Ministry's decision to suspend Wrestling Federation Of India (WFI). This comes after her decision to quit from the sport, prompted by federation's election of Brij Bhushan Singh's close aide Sanjay Singh as its chief.
On Sunday, the Sports Ministry immediately suspended WFI just three days after fresh elections were conducted to replace Brij Bhushan Singh as head of the federation.
The appointment of Sanjay Singh as WFI chief didn't welcome by Indian wrestling fraternity due to his connection with Brij Bhushan, who has been alleged of sexual harassment by female wrestlers.
Speaking to media, Sakshi Malik lauded sports ministry's decision to suspend WFI body as she believes that it's betterment of female wrestlers. The 31-year-old added that she will talk to the team with regards to her retirement.
"This has happened for the betterment of the wrestlers. We had been saying that this was the fight of the daughters and sisters." Olympic medalist said.
"This is the first step. (On retirement announcement) I will tell you about the decision according to the federation that would be formed." she added.
Sakshi Malik announced shock retirement from wrestling during the press conference after Sanjay Singh was elected as chief of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), succeeding controversial BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh.
The 2016 Rio Olympics Bronze medalist, alongside Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, led the protest against Brij Bhushan after female wrestlers levelled serious allegations of sexual harassment against tainted former WFI chief.
'Haven't seen anything in writing' - Sakshi Malik
Though Sakshi Malik was happy with the suspension of WFI body, she claimed that she wasn't sure whether Sanjay Singh has been suspended or the entire federation. She added the wrestlers fight was not with the government.
"I have not seen anything in writing yet. I don't know whether only Sanjay Singh has been suspended or the entire body has been suspended." Olympic bronze medalist said.
Our fight was not with the government. Our fight is for women wrestlers, I have announced my retirement but want the upcoming wrestlers should get justice," Sakshi added.
Brij Bhushan Singh reacts to suspension of WFI
Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh reacted to sports ministry suspending the federation following the uproar by wrestlers.
Speaking to reporters, the BJP MP claimed the entire issue surrounding WFI elections have been politicized, while adding that the federation will take the future course of action.
"The whole matter has been politicized. I have nothing to do with the new WFI body, but the elections were fair. WFI will decide the future course of action now." Brij Bhushan said after meeting with BJP President JP Nadda.
"I have worked 12 years for the wrestlers. Time will tell if I have done justice...Now decisions and talks with the govt will be done by the elected people of the federation." he added.
Brij Bhushan on allegations of sexual harassment
Brij Bhushan Singh was asked about serious allegations levelled against by several female wrestlers.
The BJP refused to respond on the allegations as he said that case is in the court.
"Sexual harassment case is in court, I wont speak on it," Singh said.
