When problems are resolved, we only take part in the Asian Games
Wrestler Sakshi Malik has stated that wrestlers will not participate in the Asian Games unless their issues are fully resolved. Speaking in Sonipat, she expressed the mental and emotional toll the ongoing situation has taken on the wrestlers. They have been demanding the resignation of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh due to allegations of sexual harassment.
Sakshi’s comments come at a time when trials for the Asian Games are scheduled to take place this month. All wrestlers, including those involved in the protest, are required to compete in the trials to secure a place in the Indian team for the Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, 2023.
Earlier, Sakshi, along with Bajrang Punia and others, met with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, who requested time until June 15 for the police investigation to conclude. The government has reportedly agreed to most of the wrestlers’ proposals related to wrestling. They plan to present these proposals to farmers’ unions, women’s unions, senior wrestlers, and khap panchayats. While there will be no protests until June 15, the movement against the WFI chief will continue.
