A Courageous Stand: Sakshi Malik’s Fight Against the Wrestling Federation of India
In 2023, a remarkable protest shook the sports world in India. Three of the country’s top wrestlers, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, took on the Wrestling Federation of India, accusing its president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of serial sexual harassment. Their courageous stand was met with resistance, betrayal, and ultimately, defeat. Sakshi Malik’s memoir, Witness, chronicles the events leading up to the protest and its aftermath, offering a searing indictment of the sports establishment and the Indian government.
The Betrayal of Trust
The story begins with Babita Phogat, cousin to Vinesh and sister-in-law to Bajrang, who convinced the wrestlers that she had connections with the highest levels of the Indian government. She assured them that their demands for justice would be met, but ultimately distanced herself from the protest. This betrayal of trust was only the beginning of a series of disappointments and setbacks.
The Protest
The wrestlers’ protest was marked by emotional highs and lows. They met with then-Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, who seemed unmoved by their accounts of harassment. Despite this, they were assured that action would be taken against Singh, and they called off their initial protest. However, it soon became clear that nothing would change.
The Oversight Committee
An oversight committee was set up to investigate the allegations, but its report was inconclusive. Mary Kom, a role model for the wrestlers, had promised to support their cause, but ultimately failed to deliver. The committee’s failure to take decisive action was a crushing blow to the wrestlers.
The Second Protest
Undeterred, the wrestlers launched a second protest, determined to bring about change. They faced hardships and challenges, but also received support from ordinary Indians, including farmers from Haryana. However, their efforts were ultimately thwarted by Naresh Tikait, a farmer leader who snatched away their medals and nullified the protest.
The Final Nail
The final nail in the coffin came when Shah and Thakur promised to listen to the wrestlers’ requests and ensure a woman candidate would become president of the federation. However, this promise was not kept, and Singh’s cronies were hoisted into power in the elections that followed.
A Defeat, but Not a Failure
Sakshi Malik’s memoir is a testament to the courage and determination of the wrestlers who fought against the Wrestling Federation of India. Although their protest ultimately ended in defeat, it highlighted the deep-seated problems within the sports establishment and the Indian government. Witness is a powerful call to action, urging readers to demand change and fight for justice.
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