Indian Wrestlers Threaten Renewed Protests Over Wrestling Federation Appointments

Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik have expressed dissatisfaction over the recent appointments in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), signaling a potential revival of their protests. The concerns stem from the appointment of Karan Bhushan Singh, son of former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as the president of the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association, and the reinstatement of Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan, as the WFI president. The United World Wrestling (UWW) recently lifted the suspension on the WFI but instructed written assurances against discriminatory measures on protesting wrestlers. Brij Bhushan, accused of sexual harassment by six female wrestlers, has faced criticism for his leadership style and influence over wrestling administration at both state and national levels.

Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik have taken to social media, warning of potential renewed protests if the government does not address their concerns. Punia emphasized the violation of promises made by Brij Bhushan and urged the government to intervene. Malik, in a video post, highlighted her resolve to prevent Brij Bhushan’s associates from running the WFI and causing trouble for women wrestlers. The wrestlers had previously suspended their protests following government assurances that Brij Bhushan’s family would not participate in WFI elections. The recent developments, however, have reignited their concerns, prompting a potential resurgence of protests against the WFI administration.