Not a dummy candidate, protesting wrestlers are indulging in politics, says WFI chief

Amid massive protest by country's known wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and ors against election of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, newly elected president Sanjay Singh on Saturday came down heavily against m. Asserting that he is not a dummy candidate for outgoing president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, newly elected president accused protesting wrestlers for indulging in politics.

It was being alleged by protesting grapplers that Sanjay Singh, who is a close associate of Parliamentarian Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, is a dummy candidate, who serves an indirect control by MP Brij Bhushan on WFI.

Sakshi Malik announced her retirement following Sanjay Singh's election to top post

Talking to reporters, Singh said, "I have been in federation for 12 years. Just because I am close to MP does not mean I am a dummy candidate. Is it a crime if I am close to him?" 
Responding to Sakshi Malik’s decision to quit wrestling, he stated, "Those who are athletes have alrey started preparing and those who want to engage in politics can do that. It is ir personal matter, I will not speak about this,” reports news agency PTI.

Sanjay Singh was elected as president of WFI on Thursday by winning most of votes in delayed polls. panel led by Singh won 13 of 15 posts. He is said to be close confidante of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who h been accused of sexual harassment by protesting wrestlers for past few months.

Following election of Sanjay Singh to top post, Sakshi Malik on Thursday announced her retirement from wrestling. Not only this, Bajrang Punia, announced to return his Pma Shri award to Prime Minister as a mark of protest. Later, he was captured on camera leaving medal on a footpath near Kartavya Path in Delhi, after he was stopped to march towards PM's residence by police.

Top Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat h earlier demanded that no close associate of Brij Bhushan should be allowed to enter WFI. y h accused Brij Bhushan of sexually exploiting several women wrestlers.

Meanwhile, newly elected body on Friday announced that U-15 and U-20 nationals will be held from December 28 to 30 in Uttar Presh’s Gonda district.