In this article, we will explore the claims made by Sakshi Malik, the responses from those involved, and the broader implications for Indian wrestling and politics.
The Beginning of the Wrestlers’ Protest
In January 2023, a group of prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, sat in protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The allegations rocked the Indian sports world, with these wrestlers calling for Singh’s removal from his post and demanding justice for the victims. It was a critical moment for Indian sports, and the protest gained widespread attention.
But now, Sakshi Malik claims that the real motivation behind the protest was not solely about justice for the wrestlers but was fueled by political ambitions and greed. According to Sakshi, the protest was not entirely against Singh, but rather a result of the manipulation and incitement by Babita Phogat, a fellow wrestler and BJP leader, and Tirath Rana, a BJP leader.
Sakshi’s Claims in recent interviews with several media outlets
In her interview, Sakshi Malik makes some bold accusations:
- Babita Phogat’s Role: Sakshi claims that Babita Phogat, also a BJP leader and former wrestler, played a pivotal role in starting the protest. According to Sakshi, Babita’s motivation was not purely to support the wrestlers but to create a space for herself in Indian sports administration, potentially replacing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Babita had earlier contested elections in Haryana and may have been looking for a political advantage, as per Sakshi’s accusations.
- Political Conspiracy?: Sakshi hints at a political conspiracy, questioning whether the entire protest was staged to destabilize Singh’s position, with political leaders using the platform to enter the wrestling administration. According to Sakshi, Babita Phogat and Teerath Rana obtained permission for the protest with the intention of taking Singh’s position rather than truly seeking justice for the victims.
- Greed of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia: The most shocking allegation from Sakshi is that Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, two of the leading faces of the protest, had become “victims of greed.” Sakshi claims that their actions during the protest—particularly taking leave from the trials before major tournaments like the Asian Games in Hangzhou 2023—ruined the credibility of the movement. She labels their behavior as selfish, suggesting that the protest became more about personal gains and political entry than standing up for justice.
- Congress Party’s Involvement: Sakshi also addresses the rumors of Congress involvement in the protest, denying any major role by the opposition party in organizing the movement. She maintains that it was Babita Phogat and Tirath Rana who orchestrated the protest, not Congress. This challenges the earlier belief that the movement had political backing from opposition parties like Congress.
The Responses: Vinesh Phogat and Babita Phogat Hit Back
The claims made by Sakshi Malik have been met with strong denials from those she has accused.
- Vinesh Phogat responded on social media, stating that there are always “three sides to a story—yours, theirs, and the truth.” She defended herself by saying that if standing up for women wrestlers and their rights is greed, then she considers it a good kind of greed. She reaffirmed her commitment to her sisters in the sport, denying the allegations of selfishness.
- Babita Phogat also took to social media to defend her character, emphasizing that she had always stood by the side of the athletes. Her sister Geeta Phogat joined in, stating that the truth may be troubling but it cannot be defeated. Babita’s father, Mahavir Phogat, backed his daughters, stating that Sakshi Malik was only parroting the words of Congress, further deepening the political undertones of the controversy.
- Bajrang Punia remained more neutral in his response, describing Sakshi’s statements as her personal opinion. While he maintained that Sakshi was still a friend, he refrained from engaging in a public spat, merely stating that the facts would speak for themselves.
What’s at Stake?
The protest and subsequent fallout have had significant consequences for Indian wrestling. The wrestlers’ protest, which initially gained widespread support for its focus on women’s rights and dignity in sports, has now been mired in allegations of political manipulation and personal ambitions.
- The Role of Politics in Sports: The allegations made by Sakshi Malik have raised questions about the role of political parties in India’s sports movements. Was the protest a genuine fight for justice, or was it a convenient platform for political leaders to make inroads into Indian sports administration? Babita Phogat’s alleged ambitions to take over Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s role and the potential involvement of the Congress party complicate the narrative.
- Impact on Wrestling: The protest had serious consequences for Indian wrestling. With key athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia embroiled in controversy and taking leave from trials, the sport has been thrown into disarray. Sakshi Malik’s claims that these decisions damaged the protest’s credibility only highlight the internal rifts within the movement.
- Political Aspirations: Bajrang Punia has been appointed as the Working President of the All India Kisan Congress, a wing of the Congress party whereas Vinesh Phogat has become MLA in Haryana on Congress ticket. These developments further complicates the narrative and give more weightage to Sakshi Malik’s claims that the protest was politically motivated.
- Meanwhile, Sakshi Malik has distanced herself from any such aspirations, asserting that she is not motivated by politics or greed.
Conclusion: What is the Truth?
The truth behind the wrestling protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh remains murky. On one hand, the movement brought attention to serious allegations of sexual harassment within the sport, but on the other, it has now been tainted by accusations of greed, political manipulation, and selfishness.
Sakshi Malik’s accusations against Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have opened up deep fractures within India’s wrestling community. The mixed responses—from support to fierce denial—indicate just how sensitive and polarizing the issues surrounding the 2023 protests have become.
Whether Sakshi’s revelations are a genuine attempt to uncover the truth or a strategic move to promote her book “Witness”, they have certainly captured the attention of the media and fans alike. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the world of Indian wrestling is undergoing a significant shift, with the aftershocks of these allegations likely to be felt for a long time to come.
As the wrestling community and the public digest these revelations, one question remains—was the protest truly about justice, or was it hijacked by political ambitions? Only time will reveal the complete truth, but for now, the wrestling world is left grappling with these pressing questions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and is subject to updates as more information becomes available.
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