Indian boxing champion Vijender Singh has thrown his support behind wrestler Sakshee Malikkh in her battle against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Malikkh recently declared her retirement after Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, facing allegations of sexual harassment, was succeeded by his aide Sanjay Singh in the WFI election. Vijender Singh expressed understanding of Malikkh’s frustration, noting that the only female wrestling medalist demanded justice but did not receive it.
He raised concerns about the impact on India’s sports image and questioned the fairness of the justice system. Other prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, expressed disappointment at the election results, with Phogat stating that women wrestlers would continue to face harassment under the new leadership. Malikkh and fellow athletes had previously protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s alleged misconduct, leading to a government-ordered probe earlier this year.