Did Babita Phogat Manipulate Wrestlers’ Protest Against WFI? Sakshi Malik Speaks Out

In a recent interview with India Today, Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik alleged that Babita Phogat, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), played a pivotal role in motivating wrestlers to protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Malik claimed that Phogat aimed to position herself as the next WFI chief, using the unrest as a platform to further her own agenda. During her discussion with India Today TV, Malik stated, "Babita Phogat approached us with the idea of protesting against Brij Bhushan Singh because she had her own agenda - she wanted to become the WFI president."

Did Babita Phogat Manipulate?

She further emphasized that the allegations of Congress supporting their protest were unfounded, highlighting the support they received from BJP leaders like Phogat and Tirath Rana, who assisted in obtaining permission for their protest in Haryana. The protest, which became a symbol of the fight against alleged misconduct within the federation, was initiated following accusations of sexual harassment against Singh.

Malik, along with fellow wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, emerged as the leading voices in the movement. However, she noted that the unity among the wrestlers began to fracture when those close to Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat were influenced by "greed."

While acknowledging that the protest was sparked by serious issues, including sexual harassment and molestation within the WFI, Malik expressed disappointment in Phogat's motives. "We believed that having a woman in charge, especially someone like Babita Phogat, who is also a sportsperson, would bring positive change. We trusted that she would understand our struggles. But we never anticipated that she would play such a big game with us," she explained.

The protest came to a halt after police intervened during the wrestlers' march towards the new Parliament Building on May 28, 2023. Following the protests, both Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia transitioned into politics, joining the Congress party in time for the Haryana assembly elections. Vinesh secured a win in the Julana constituency, while Bajrang was appointed head of the party's national farmers' unit.

The allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh remain under judicial review, as the case continues to unfold in a Delhi court. As the wrestling community grapples with these serious allegations and the ensuing protests, the desire for accountability and reform within the federation remains a pressing concern.