Our Fight is Not Against Govt, But...: Wrestler Sakshi Malik in New Video

Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik and her wrestler husband Satyawart Kadian on Saturday addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the wrestlers' protest against the outgoing chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

They clarified that the protest is not politically motivated and denied claims of instigation by the Congress party.

In a video posted on Twitter, Malik and Kadian said that the wrestling fraternity had remained silent for years despite facing harassment, attributing the lack of unity within the community as a reason. They pointed out that the protest was not limited to political affiliations and shared a letter seeking permission for the protest, which had been obtained with the assistance of two BJP leaders.

The wrestlers, including top athletes like Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation. The protest garnered support from various political figures, including Priyanka Gandhi of the Congress party, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik. However, the protest was later disbanded by authorities on May 28.

Kadian emphasised that their fight is against the WFI chief, not the government. He stressed that the wrestling community had been aware of the alleged harassment and intimidation for over a decade, but lacked unity to address the issues. Malik highlighted the challenges faced by wrestlers from disadvantaged backgrounds and cited the retraction of a minor's statement due to intimidation.

The wrestlers expressed their dismay over the police brutality they faced during the protest and the emotional toll it took on them. They also clarified that the decision not to immerse their medals was made to prevent potential violence and instead entrusted them to coaches and parents. The couple acknowledged the difficulties they encountered in navigating the situation and expressed gratitude to those who supported them.

As the legal process unfolds, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh faces charges of stalking and sexual harassment filed by the police. Malik and Kadian concluded the video by urging unity and encouraging others to raise their voices against injustice.