Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik on Tuesday threw her support behind Vinesh Phogat amid the latter’s dispute with the Wrestling Federation of India over her attempted return to competitive wrestling. Sakshi said it was unfortunate that efforts were being made to prevent Vinesh’s comeback at a time when countries across the world are easing regulations to help women athletes resume their careers after motherhood.
Vinesh, who recently became a mother to a 10-month-old son, turned up at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda despite the WFI declaring her ineligible to participate. The federation later issued her a detailed showcause notice, stating that athletes are required to observe a mandatory six-month notice period before returning from retirement under anti-doping regulations.
Refusing to step back, Vinesh has responded to the notice and remains determined to continue her comeback bid despite the federation’s firm stand.
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Sakshi, who had stood alongside Vinesh during the widely publicised protest against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, had later distanced herself after Vinesh joined the Congress.
Sharing her thoughts through a video posted on social media, Sakshi said she had remained silent for the past few days as Vinesh is now an MLA affiliated with a political party, while she herself has no political connections.
However, she emphasised that many countries have adopted athlete-friendly policies to ensure women can continue competing and winning medals even after becoming mothers.
“Instead of supporting such athletes, our federation has introduced rules that are stopping Vinesh from returning,” Sakshi said.
She appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and the WFI to allow Vinesh to participate in selection trials so she could once again represent the country and inspire women by succeeding after motherhood.
Vinesh had announced her retirement from wrestling following the heartbreak of being disqualified from the final of the 2024 Paris Olympics 2024 after she was found to be 100 grams above the prescribed weight limit. The Haryana wrestler later entered politics and was elected as an MLA from the Julana constituency in the same year.
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