Indian Olympic Wrestler, Sakshi Malik, Retires from the Sport Following Appointment of New Wrestling Chief

India's top wrestler, Sakshi Malik, has decided to quit the sport in response to the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) new president. Sanjay Singh, a close associate of the previous chief, Brij Bhushan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers, was elected as the new president. The appointment of Mr. Singh led to massive protests by wrestlers who had been demanding justice for the alleged misconduct. Earlier this year, the wrestlers had paused their protests when Brij Bhushan Singh lost administrative powers pending a government investigation. However, they resumed their protests in April after the government failed to release the findings of the investigation. The wrestlers' agitation gained international attention when they were detained by the police during a march to India's parliament. The International Olympic Committee condemned the mistreatment of the wrestlers and called for an impartial inquiry. In June, Mr. Singh was charged with various offences but was granted bail. Prior to the election, the wrestlers had requested the sports minister to bar anyone associated with Mr. Singh from participating in the presidential election, which had been delayed for several months. After the election results were announced, Sakshi Malik, who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, expressed her frustration and announced her resignation from wrestling. She also highlighted the demand for a woman to be appointed president to prevent harassment of female wrestlers. Vinesh Phogat, another wrestler who took part in the protests, criticized the election outcome and expressed concerns about the future of wrestling. Sanjay Singh has not responded to Sakshi Malik's decision.