New Delhi: Olympic Medalist Sakshi Malik A colleague has come out in support of the wrestler. Vinesh Phogat Amidst his dispute with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over his return to competitive wrestling after retirement.Vinesh recently attempted to compete in the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda despite being disqualified by the federation.
The WFI said wrestlers must serve a six-month notice period before returning under anti-doping rules. However, Vinesh, who became a mother 10 months ago, has challenged this decision and refused to quit her post.Sakshi said she usually avoids political matters as Vinesh is now a Congress MLA, but she felt the issue was bigger than politics.In a video shared on social media, Sakshi pointed out that many countries around the world relax rules to help female athletes continue their careers after maternity.“But our federation has made rules to stop Vinesh from returning,” said Sakshi.He directly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and WFI to give Vinesh a fair chance.“I will request the Prime Minister, Sports Minister and WFI to take up Vinesh’s trial so that she too can win medals for the country and become an example for women by winning medals after becoming a mother,” she added.Vinesh retired after a heartbreaking disqualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she missed the weight limit by just 100 grams before the final. Later, she entered politics and became the MLA from Jolana constituency in Haryana.
