“I quit wrestling!” These words from Sakshi Malik hit hard, reflecting not just her struggle, but that of every Indian woman. In a country where the law often falls short in protecting women, especially when powerful people are involved, seeking justice becomes an uphill task. Harassment is a serious issue, yet the government and influential figures treat it casually, making the road to justice anything but easy.
The year began with a poignant sit-in protest by India’s female wrestlers, a group of formidable athletes who found themselves silenced for far too long by a man accused of abusing his power. Their accusations were directed at the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who stood accused of sexual harassment. The protest, marked by symbolic acts such as throwing medals into the Ganga, sought justice for the athletes who had suffered under Singh’s leadership.
During the protest, India witnessed a disturbing turn of events as some of the country’s top female wrestlers were forcefully detained by the police. Promises were made, words were given, and the athletes were urged to halt their protest with assurances that their demands would be met. However, as the year draws to a close, the spotlight shifts to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh celebrating the election of his close aide and friend, Sanjay Singh, as the new chief of the Wrestling Federation of India.
Olympic champion Sakshi Malik, a vocal critic of Brij Bhushan’s tenure, announced her retirement in a deeply emotional press conference on December 21, 2023, the same day the election results were declared. Malik, who had been at the forefront of the protest against Singh, emerged as a symbol of resilience, shedding light on the harassment and discrimination faced by female athletes in India. The charges filed against Singh in June alleged sexual harassment of six female wrestlers, including a minor, during his time leading the WFI.
Malik’s retirement poses a troubling question about the state of justice for women in India, particularly when the accused wields high prestige and political influence. Despite Singh’s resignation from the WFI, the image of him adorned with garlands, triumphantly flashing the victory sign beside the new president, sheds light on the persisting power dynamics.
The resignation of an Olympian like Sakshi Malik is not merely a personal decision, it is a commentary on the failures of the legal system and the government to provide justice for victims of harassment. As long as the accused can continue to hold political positions and celebrate victories, the hope for justice remains elusive. The women who fought for accountability and investigation now face the bitter reality that the man accused of their mistreatment has not only prevailed but continues to hold influence. The legacy of this episode raises critical questions about the commitment of India’s institutions to protecting and empowering its female athletes.