“I Quit!” Olympian Wrestler Sakshi Malik Retires In Protest

“I quit”, Indian wrestler and Olympics medal winner Sakshi Malik said on Thursday as she announced her retirement from the sport in front of the media in Delhi. Malik has quit the sport in protest after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) replaced a president accused of sexually abusing female athletes with his close ally.

“Yeh ladai dil se ladi (We fought this battle with our heart). In the end, we slept for 40 days on the roads, but I’d like to thank the several people of our country who came to support us during the protests earlier this year. If Brij Bhushan Singh’s business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I quit wrestling…” Malik said.

She made this announcement at a press conference before walking out in tears, with those present at the venue appealing her to reconsider her decision. The 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallist kept her sports shoes, which she probably wears during matches, on the table and walked out.

Malik’s announcement came the same day as former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s close associate Sanjay Singh was elected its president. He beat Anita Sheoran 40 votes to seven. Prem Chand Lochab, who was from the opposing faction seemingly supported by the protesting wrestlers, was elected as the secretary-general.

Malik along with medal winners Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sangeeta Phogat protested over the alleged harassment and discrimination faced by women athletes in India.

After back and forth with the Delhi Police, a charge sheet was filed against Singh in June accusing him of sexually harassing six female wrestlers, including a minor, during his time leading the WFI.

Singh, who is also a six-time parliamentarian and member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), denied any wrongdoing, dramatically stating then that he will hang himself if the accusations are proven to be true.

When questioned about Malik’s decision to quit, 66-year-old Singh on Thursday said, “I have nothing to do with it.”

Sangeeta Phogat who was also present at the press conference called the election result unfortunate, adding that the girls will continue to get harassed under such men.

“It is sad that even after fighting against it, we couldn't bring any changes. I don't know how to get justice in our own country,” Phogat added.

Malik’s decision has left many aghast and has brought in major reactions from people on social media. Author-activist Dr Meena Kandasamy took to X and said, “Patriarchy doesn't deserve even the dirt on the soles of your footwear #SakshiMalik. We hang our head in shame at how entrenched and entitled we have allowed misogynist abuse to become in our country. This is a national horror unfolding.”

Many tried to comfort the player and asked her to be strong.

In an emotional speech Malik said that it took them years to gather strength and start protesting. They also said that the government disappointed them and despite them demanding for a woman chief, Singh’s ‘right hand’ was elected.

“The government failed to listen to us. If you take out the list not even one woman was elected in any position,” she added.

Political leaders too stated their anger on the events that unfolded on Thursday calling it a “sad day for sports”.