Vinesh Phogat on Sakshi Malik: A war of words broke out between Indian star female wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat. Sakshi recently published her book, Testimony, which reveals many significant incidents. Rio 2016 bronze medalist Sakshi claimed in her book that Vinesh and Bajrang’s decision made her sport look “selfish”.
Meanwhile, star wrestler and MP Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday disagreed with Sakshi Malik’s assertion that her and Bajrang Punia’s decision to be exempted from the Asian Games selections weakened her performance against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh.
“I am not weak, I cannot be weak in fighting”
Vinesh told PTI, “This is her (Sakshi’s) personal opinion. “I don’t agree with that. As long as I am not weak, the battle cannot be weak. This is my opinion. As long as Sakshi, Vinesh and Bajrang are alive, this battle will not abate.
He said: “People who want to win should never be weak.” They should always fight bravely on the court. For this reason, we must face challenges with strength. We are ready for battle.
Bajrang and Vinesh spared trial
Sakshi says in the book that their protests began to unravel when people close to Bajrang and Vinesh became filled with greed. All three have accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan of sexually harassing female wrestlers during their tenure, and the case is pending in a Delhi court.
After the WFI’s suspension, an ad hoc committee came to focus on wrestling and the committee granted Bajrang and Vinesh exemptions for the 2023 Asian Games selections, but Sakshi decided not to do so despite the advice of his colleagues. In the end, Sakshi was unable to participate in the Asian Games, while Vinesh was injured before the games and Bajrang failed to win a medal.
