At Jantar Mantar, the same venue where India’s top wrestlers once demanded the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) then-president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a different narrative unfolds. This time, hundreds of young grapplers gathered, blaming Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat for a lost year in their wrestling careers.
Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, around 300 budding wrestlers, predominantly from Arya Samaj Akhara in Chhaprauli, Baghpat, joined the protest. They chanted slogans against the trio, leaving the police overwhelmed.
Their banners targeted the United World Wrestling (UWW), urging protection from the top wrestlers, blaming them for their career setbacks. In a symbolic gesture, the protestors defaced and trampled placards featuring the three athletes.
Since January 2023, national camps and competitions have halted due to WFI’s suspension and the interim governance of an ad-hoc panel. The emerging wrestlers demand the restoration of the suspended WFI and disbanding the ad-hoc panel imposed by the sports ministry.
Outraged coaches and protestors criticized Sakshi, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh, claiming they disregarded national awards and now jeopardized junior wrestlers’ futures. The lack of competitions, even at district and state levels, compounded their ire, questioning how the top wrestlers would rectify the loss.
Reports surfaced of coaches and young wrestlers threatening to return their Arjuna awards unless the suspended WFI reclaims authority within ten days.
Post the election of Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan, as WFI’s new head, plans to host Under 15 and Under 20 Nationals in Gonda were thwarted by the ministry’s suspension of the body.
Vivek Malik from Arya Samaj Akhara criticized the suspension of the newly elected WFI and demanded its immediate reinstatement. He emphasized the federation’s brief tenure, cut short by administrative obstacles.
In a surprising shift, Sakshi Malik distanced herself from the new WFI, objecting solely to Sanjay Singh’s involvement. She urged the government’s intervention to safeguard wrestling and highlighted her family’s alleged security threats.
Dismissive of claims that the top wrestlers manipulated opportunities, Sakshi, now retired, wished success for her successor in the 62kg category at the Paris Olympics, stressing her concern for young wrestlers’ advancement over personal pursuits.
Dhairya Saraswat