Despite several political offers, Sakshi Malik has decided not to join the Congress party as she wants to continue her fight for women in wrestling. She believes that joining a political party would send the wrong message and distract from her cause. While her fellow Olympians Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat have chosen to join Congress, Sakshi Malik remains apolitical and focused on her fight against exploitation in the wrestling industry, specifically against one person - Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
In the realm of Indian sports, wrestling has emerged as a formidable force, with Olympic medalists Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik serving as role models for aspiring athletes. However, recent events have shed light on their divergent paths in the political arena.
Political Pursuits of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia
Vinesh Phogat, an Olympic bronze medalist, has joined the Indian National Congress party, along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia. Their decision has raised eyebrows, as both athletes have been vocal critics of the party in the past. However, Phogat has defended her decision, stating that she believes Congress is the only party that can bring about meaningful change for women's wrestling.
Sakshi Malik's Focus on Advocacy
In contrast to Phogat and Punia, Sakshi Malik, an Olympic silver medalist, has chosen to remain apolitical. She has declined several political offers, preferring to focus on her fight against exploitation in the wrestling industry. Malik has specifically targeted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India, accusing him of corruption and misconduct.
Background of the Wrestling Federation of India
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has been embroiled in controversy for several years. In 2021, over 30 wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, staged a protest against Singh at the Sports Authority of India training center in New Delhi. The wrestlers accused Singh of sexual harassment, nepotism, and financial misappropriation.
Investigation and Consequences
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports ordered an investigation into the allegations. The inquiry committee recommended that Singh be suspended as WFI president and that the federation be placed under an ad-hoc committee until further notice. However, Singh has denied the allegations and has not been charged with any crime.
FAQs
1. Why did Vinesh Phogat join Congress?
Vinesh Phogat stated that she believes Congress is the only party that can bring about meaningful change for women's wrestling.
2. Why did Sakshi Malik decline political offers?
Sakshi Malik wants to remain apolitical and focus on her fight against exploitation in the wrestling industry.
3. What are the allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh?
Singh has been accused of sexual harassment, nepotism, and financial misappropriation.
4. What is the status of the investigation into the WFI?
The inquiry committee has recommended that Singh be suspended as WFI president and that the federation be placed under an ad-hoc committee.
5. What is the future of wrestling in India?
The future of wrestling in India is uncertain, but the actions of Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing the sport. Their unwavering commitment to their respective paths is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a reminder of the power of advocacy.
Former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday to criticize Fox News for cutting him off during a 10-minute discussion about Kamala Harris' DNC speech. Trump claimed that it was the network who called him, not the other way around, and that they interrupted him to air Greg Gutfeld's late-night show instead. This outburst comes as Harris leads Trump in polls and after reports of Trump spending most of August golfing instead of focusing on his campaign.
Indian wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat is making her first visit to the village of Khera Bakhta in Julana since receiving her election ticket. This important visit will help strengthen her ties with local residents and garner support for her political campaign. Stay updated with ABP News for the latest developments in this political race.
In the wake of fresh violence in Manipur's Jiribam district, the state's Chief Minister led a meeting of ruling party MLAs to discuss ways to tackle the ongoing ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups. The security agencies have recovered large caches of weapons, which include sniper rifles and rocket bombs, indicating the intensification of the conflict. Despite previous efforts to restore normalcy, violence continues to erupt in ethnically-diverse Jiribam, displacing thousands and resulting in casualties. The government is now pressuring the Centre to take appropriate action to bring the militants under control.
The ongoing conflict between Kuki militants and security agencies in Manipur has taken a dangerous turn as the Kukis have sought foreign help in their demand for a separate state. According to sources, the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council has approached the UN, UK and Israel with their demands, citing their right to self governance under the Indian Constitution and various international agreements. The Kukis claim to be lost Jew tribes who were brought to India for tourism but later held captive by the country.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha will be visiting Sambalpur to launch the CM Kisan Yojana on September 8, coinciding with the Nuakhai festival. This new scheme will replace the existing KALIA scheme and aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, who will receive Rs 4000 annually in two phases. Chief Minister Majhi will also attend 'Nuakhai Bhetghat' programmes and offer prayers at Maa Samaleswari temple during his visit. Stay updated by subscribing to the Odisha Breaking News channel.
Kamala Harris has brought new excitement to the U.S. presidential race, particularly among Democrats of Asian descent and people of color. The party's convention in Chicago, originally intended to support Joe Biden's re-election, has become a platform for showcasing Harris' strengths and diversity within the Democratic party. This is in stark contrast to Trump's Republican party, which lacks ethnic diversity and has officially nominated him as their candidate for the third consecutive time.
The Manipur government has declared an indefinite curfew in Jiribam district after five people were killed in ethnic violence. The order, made under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, prohibits gatherings and restricts movement, with exceptions for essential services and emergency situations. The superintendent of police will be overseeing the enforcement of the curfew, which will remain in effect until further notice. The regional news portal Northeast Now provides ongoing coverage of the potentially volatile situation.
After the head of a Hindu monastic order suggested changing the name of the ritual bath at the Kumbh Mela, Urdu speakers have denounced the statement, asserting that Urdu is also an indigenous Indian language. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an organization of Hindu monastic orders, is planning to discuss the issue and make a decision. Meanwhile, members of the Urdu Markaz Mumbai group have condemned the call to drop the old term, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Urdu to India. The Kumbh Mela, a mass gathering held every 12 years, is a highly revered Hindu event and the next one is scheduled for 2025.
The Congress party has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, with Vinesh Phogat being nominated as the candidate for the Julana constituency. The JJP has decided to field Amarjit Dhanda, the current MLA, again as their candidate. However, Congress is hopeful that Phogat's popularity and recent retirement from wrestling will garner sympathy votes and help them win the seat.
In a major scandal shaking up the Indian bureaucracy, IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been discharged from service by the UPSC for cheating and taking advantage of OBC and disability quota benefits. This comes after a month of her selection being cancelled and her being barred from future exams. The controversy has brought to light loopholes in the selection process and has resulted in the scrutiny of over 15,000 candidates.