Sakshi Malik seeks PM Modi's intervention as WFI stops Vinesh from competing: 'Other countries better support athlete mothers'

Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has thrown her weight behind Vinesh Phogat amid her tussle with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Phogat, who reversed her retirement last year, was denied participation in the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda by WFI through a show-cause notice.

Vinesh Phogat has been accused of indiscipline and missing dope tests. Despite the hurdles, Vinesh Phogat landed up in Gonda on Monday to compete in the tournament, but she was not allowed.

Sakshi Malik wants PM Modi to intervene

Sakshi Malik, who was part of the wrestlers' protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh along with Vinesh Phogat, has now come out in support of the star wrestler.

Hitting out at WFI, which is now headed by Brij Bhushan's close aide, Sanjay Singh, Sakshi urged PM Narendra Modi to allow Vinesh to give trials for the Asian Games. She added that giving opportunities to Vinesh will prove that Indian athletes can succeed even after becoming a mother.

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Vinesh welcomed a baby boy last year with her husband, Somvir Rathee.

“In the last few days, the matter of Vinesh's trials has propped up. The media wants to know my views. For 2-3 days, I was thinking about this because Vinesh also belongs to a political party. I am not related to any political party. I can give several examples where sports federations of other countries try to make everything easier for the athletes so that females can play for the country even after becoming a mother,” Malik said in a video posted on X (Formerly Twitter).

Also Read | Vinesh Phogat vs WFI: Why politicisation of ongoing drama doesn't help anyone, hurts Indian wrestling

“Our federation brought such laws so that Vinesh isn't able to make a comeback. I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister and the WFI to take Vinesh's trials, so she can win a medal for India and set an example that in India, women can also play after becoming a mother, win a medal and make the country proud. Thank you,” she added