Sakshi Malik Says Goodbye to Sport After WFI Elections See Close Aide Sanjay Singh Emerge Victorious

After years of dedication and hard work, Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik has announced her retirement from the sport following the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections earlier this week. The retirement of the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist has left the wrestling fraternity in shock and has raised questions about the future of Indian wrestling.

Malik's decision comes after the election of Sanjay Singh as the new president of WFI. Singh, a close aide of the outgoing president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, emerged victorious in a closely fought contest against Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar. The results of the elections have not gone down well with Malik, who has been a vocal critic of the WFI and its functioning.

The 28-year-old wrestler from Haryana took to social media to announce her retirement and express her disappointment with the election result. She wrote, 'After years of hard work and sacrifices, it's disheartening to see the WFI being run by people who don't understand the sport. I can't be a part of an organization that doesn't have the best interest of its athletes at heart.'

Malik's decision has highlighted the growing divide between the wrestlers and the WFI. There have been numerous instances in the past where the athletes have raised concerns about the lack of support and facilities provided to them by the federation. Malik herself had spoken out about the lack of adequate training facilities and the apathy of the officials towards the athletes.

The retirement of one of India's most accomplished wrestlers has brought the focus back to the management and administration of the sport. The WFI, which has been under the scanner for its dubious selection criteria and lack of transparency, will now have to answer some tough questions about its functioning.

In the recent past, the WFI has been accused of favoritism and nepotism, with some wrestlers alleging that their performances were overlooked in favor of more politically connected counterparts. This has not only led to a decline in the performance of Indian wrestlers on the international stage but has also resulted in a loss of motivation and morale among the athletes.

Malik's retirement has also sparked a debate about the need for better financial support for the athletes. Despite being one of the most successful wrestlers in Indian history, Malik has struggled to secure sponsorships and endorsements, which has impacted her earnings. The lack of a stable source of income has made it difficult for her to continue in the sport.

With just a few years left for the 2024 Olympics, the retirement of a top athlete like Sakshi Malik has raised concerns about the future of Indian wrestling. It is high time for the WFI to introspect and take the necessary steps to improve the sport in the country. The new administration must focus on creating a fair and transparent selection process, providing better facilities and financial support to the athletes, and promoting a culture of accountability within the federation.

In conclusion, the retirement of Sakshi Malik has brought to light the challenges faced by athletes in India and the urgent need for reform in the sporting bodies. As fans and supporters of Indian wrestling, we can only hope that the WFI takes the necessary steps to address the concerns raised by the athletes and provides them with a conducive environment to excel in their sport. As for Sakshi Malik, she will always be remembered as the trailblazer who brought India its first Olympic medal in women's wrestling and will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.