New Delhi, India: The simmering feud between India’s top wrestlers and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) took a fresh turn on Saturday, with newly elected president Sanjay Singh offering a defiant response to protests and resignations.
Singh, seen as close to former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces sexual harassment allegations, addressed the recent resignation of Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik and the Padma Shri return of Bajrang Punia. He stated, “Those who want to engage in politics are free to do so. Those who are athletes have already started preparing.”
This comment ignited further controversy, with critics seeing it as dismissive of the wrestlers’ concerns. Malik had announced her retirement citing Singh’s election as proof of a tainted system, while Punia returned his prestigious award in protest. Deaflympics gold medalist Virender Singh Yadav, known as Goonga Pehlwan, also followed suit, returning his Padma Shri in solidarity.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders joined the fray, criticizing the government’s silence on the issue. They questioned the fairness of the WFI elections and called for transparency. However, the Sports Ministry defended the polls, terming them “fair and democratic.”
Adding to the complexity, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh himself raised concerns about the disruption caused by the protests. He expressed worry about the postponement of national and state-level wrestling events for the past 11 months, stating that wrestlers could lose a year of competition if tournaments aren’t held before December 31st.
This development suggests a potential shift in the narrative, with a focus on the impact of the ongoing dispute on Indian wrestling. While the wrestlers’ fight against alleged abuse and corruption remains crucial, the potential consequences of prolonged disruption require consideration.
