The End of an Era in Wrestling- Sakshi Malik resigned from the Sport

In a recent development that has sent shockwaves across digital and electronic media platforms, a video featuring India’s renowned wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, has been circulating over the past 24 hours. The footage captures a press conference during which emotions ran high, revealing the deep disappointment and frustration of these top-class athletes.

Sakshi Malik, visibly dejected, expressed her dissatisfaction with the decision of the newly appointed Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, Sanjay Singh, who is reportedly closely associated with Brij Bhushan Saran Singh. Malik, during her emotionally charged address, took a poignant symbolic step by placing her wrestling shoes on the table and announced her intention to resign from the sport.

The grievances extended beyond personal disappointments, with both Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik highlighting unfulfilled promises made by the government. They emphasized that individuals closely aligned with the former WFI President would once again be assuming key roles in the wrestling federation. This perceived lack of change in leadership sparked concerns about the continued stagnation in addressing the needs and aspirations of the athletes.

Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, stalwarts in Indian wrestling, pointed out that the assurances made to them by the government were not honored, raising questions about the commitment to the athletes’ welfare. Their statements underscored a sense of betrayal and frustration with the persistent influence of individuals associated with the previous administration.

Sakshi Malik, in her retirement announcement, expressed apprehensions about the future of women wrestlers under the new regime. She conveyed a bleak outlook for aspiring female athletes, suggesting that the challenges they face may persist or worsen in the hands of the current leadership.

The emotional press conference serves as a powerful moment of reckoning for Indian wrestling, shedding light on the systemic issues and unfulfilled promises that have left top athletes feeling disheartened and disillusioned. As the video continues to circulate, it prompts a broader discussion about the governance of sports in India and the urgent need for reforms to prioritize the well-being and aspirations of athletes.