Vinesh Phogat Rejects Allegations of Greed in Wrestling Protests
Vinesh Phogat, a renowned Indian wrestler, has refuted allegations made by fellow wrestler Sakshi Malik that the protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was compromised by “greed.”
In her recently released book “Witness,” Malik claimed that individuals close to Phogat and Bajrang Punia, another prominent wrestler, influenced them to seek exemption from Asian Games trials, tarnishing the image of the protests.
Phogat vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that she and her fellow wrestlers fought for a just cause. She stated, “No one gave me anything in writing, nor can I assume someone’s intentions. The good thing is that we fought for a good cause. If playing in the Olympics and winning a medal for our country is greed, then yes, I will carry that ‘greed’ till my last breath.”
Phogat further emphasized the importance of advocating for athletes’ rights, saying, “If, as an athlete, speaking up for fellow athletes and standing by my sisters is greed, then I consider it a good kind of greed. The desire to play for the country should always remain.”
Malik, who was one of the key figures in the protests, alleged that the pursuit of personal interests had overshadowed the collective cause. She wrote in her book, “The old way of thinking selfishly was taking over once again. The people close to Bajrang and Vinesh had started filling their minds with greed. Now they were talking about this exemption from trials for the Games.”
Malik’s claims have sparked controversy within the wrestling community. However, Phogat remains steadfast in her belief that the protests were driven by a genuine desire for change. She said, “What exactly is greed? If, as an athlete, speaking up for fellow athletes and standing by my sisters is greed, then I consider it a good kind of greed.”
The allegations and counter-allegations have cast a shadow over the wrestling community, raising questions about the integrity of the sport’s governing body and the motivations of its athletes. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the future of Indian wrestling.