Win for Sakshi and Bajrang: A Call for Action on Allegations Against Brij Bhushan Singh
Chandigarh, December 24: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has strongly criticized the Centre’s delayed response to the serious allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh, former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). These allegations include accusations of sexual misconduct involving athletes, and Sandhwan emphasized that the government’s recent decision to suspend the newly formed WFI is insufficient. According to him, the Centre was compelled to act due to mounting public pressure, but has failed to fully address the root issues.
Speaking on Sunday, Sandhwan demanded that the newly constituted WFI should be dissolved immediately, with fresh elections conducted in a transparent and accountable manner. He questioned why the government had only suspended the new body, which he described as a mere proxy for Brij Bhushan Singh, the former head of WFI. Singh is facing multiple serious charges, including allegations of rape and molestation, brought forward by athletes—many of whom he was supposed to protect as their representative.
“Why stop at suspending the WFI? The body is clearly a proxy of its previous head, who has been accused of serious criminal charges. It’s high time the allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh are taken to their logical conclusion,” Sandhwan said in an official statement issued from Chandigarh.
The Speaker went on to underscore the importance of protecting the nation’s athletes, particularly female athletes. “No nation can thrive if it fails to safeguard its athletes and daughters. Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia have shown immense courage in leading this fight for justice. Their determination against humiliation and injustice is commendable,” he stated.
Sandhwan further expressed his dismay at how the situation had unfolded, calling the disrespect and mistreatment of the country’s Olympians a national disgrace under the current Modi regime. “It is a painful and shameful sight for the nation to witness our Olympians—who brought honor to the country—being humiliated in this manner,” he added.
He described the government’s handling of the matter as a “farce” and accused the Union Government of knowing that public sentiment was firmly on the side of the athletes. “The public’s trust and sympathy have always been with the athletes. The government knew that the people supported our sportspersons who have been wronged. The tears of our athletes are a burden on the nation, and it is heartbreaking to see our champions return their medals in protest.”
Sandhwan’s call for immediate action resonates with the broader public sentiment that has been increasingly critical of how the situation has been handled. There has been significant public outcry against Brij Bhushan Singh’s continued influence within Indian sports, and the suspension of the WFI has done little to quell these concerns.
With this latest development, there is growing pressure on the Union Government to take stronger measures to ensure justice for the athletes. Sandhwan’s insistence on transparent elections and the complete dissolution of the current WFI points to the widespread demand for reform within the organization. Only a fair and unbiased restructuring of the federation, Sandhwan argues, can restore faith in the system and protect the future of India’s athletes.
The future of Indian wrestling, as well as the integrity of the sports governance system, now hangs in the balance. While the suspension of the WFI may be seen as a small victory for the likes of Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, the larger battle for justice remains unresolved. Sandhwan’s comments reflect the hope of many that the ongoing fight will lead to lasting reform and accountability, not only in this case but in the broader landscape of Indian sports.
