Sanjay Singh, Close Associate of BJP MP, Wins Wrestling Federation Election; Sakshi Malik Bids Farewell

Sanjay Singh, a close associate of BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, has been elected as the new president of the Indian Wrestling Federation. Vishal Singh, son-in-law of Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, revealed that Sanjay Singh's entire panel secured victory with a substantial majority.

As the newly elected president, Sanjay Singh commented, "Wrestling competitions will now be organized... those who want to wrestle are wrestling, and those who want to engage in politics, let them do politics..."

Sanjay Singh hinted at a controversy using the term "politics," referring to serious allegations levied against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh by female wrestlers.

In response to the controversy, Sakshi Malik, along with other wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, staged protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for weeks. Following their arrest, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court granted bail to Singh and his associate Vinod Tomar.

Former DGP of Uttar Pradesh, Vikram Singh, criticized Delhi Police for not opposing bail, expressing concerns about the potential influence on witnesses. Singh emphasized the need for a fair investigation into the serious allegations of sexual misconduct against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh.

**Anita Sheoran, Defeated Candidate, Speaks Out:**

Anita Sheoran, who lost to Sanjay Singh in the election, announced her continued fight against injustice. Despite the disappointment, she affirmed her commitment to battling against unfair practices within the wrestling federation.

**Sakshi Malik Quits Wrestling:**

In a press conference held after Sanjay Singh's victory, Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from wrestling. Malik expressed her discontent with the federation's leadership, particularly emphasizing her objection to Brijbhushan Sharan Singh's continued involvement.

Sakshi Malik stated, "If a person like President Brijbhushan, who is his (Sanjay Singh's) ally and business partner, remains in the federation, then I quit wrestling. You won't see me there after today."

Following her announcement, Malik symbolically placed her wrestling shoes on the table, signifying the end of her wrestling career.

**Brijbhushan Sharan Singh Reacts:**

In response to Sakshi Malik's decision, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh dismissed any connection to her retirement, attributing Sanjay Singh's victory to the efforts of Indian wrestlers and the Wrestling Federation's secretary.

He stated, "I want to credit this victory to the country's wrestlers and the secretary of the Indian Wrestling Federation. I hope that after the formation of the new federation, wrestling competitions will resume."

The wrestling community awaits developments as the newly elected leadership takes charge, hoping for a positive transformation in the sport's administration.

Image credit -ANI