Wrestlers Protest: Former Indian wrestler and Olympic medalist Sakshee Malikkh spoke out on Wednesday, accusing protestors, including young wrestlers, of running a propaganda campaign against her, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat. The demonstration accused the veterans of disrupting wrestling activities and harming the prospects of aspiring young athletes, prompting a strong response from Malikkh.Allegations of PropagandaIn a press conference, Malikkh revealed her mental stress and accused an IT cell linked to former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of orchestrating a propaganda campaign. She stated that the protestors were affiliated with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and were making false allegations against them.Specific Concerns and Support for SuspensionMalikkh clarified that their issue was primarily with the WFI president, Sanjay Singh, and welcomed the suspension of the newly-elected federation by the Union Sports Ministry. She accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of targeting her family and called on Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure Sanjay Singh has no involvement in WFI.Retirement and Future HopesExpressing her retirement, Malikkh urged the ad-hoc committee to organise nationals and camps for U15, U17, and U20 categories, ensuring no hindrance for young wrestlers. She expressed the desire for women to hold responsibilities in the federation for the benefit of women wrestlers.Ad-Hoc Committees PlansThe ad-hoc committee announced plans for the National Coaching Camp for Senior Wrestlers, scheduled for February 2-5 in Jaipur, with the Senior National Championships to follow. The coaching camp, focusing on Olympic qualifying tournaments, will run until the Paris Olympics in 2024.Olympic Qualifying TournamentsThe camp aims to prepare wrestlers for the 2024 Asian Qualification Tournament in Kyrgyzstan and the 2024 World Qualification Tournament in Turkey. Additionally, athletes will be trained for the Senior Asian Championships in Kyrgyzstan.Suspension of WFIThe Union Sports Ministry suspended the WFI and its office-bearers, including President Sanjay Singh, instructing the IOA to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee the wrestling affairs in the country.Sakshee Malikkhs strong response sheds light on the complex situation within the wrestling community, emphasising the need for fair administration and support for aspiring athletes.
