New Delhi, Oct 21 Olympic bronze medal-winning former wrestler Sakshi Malik has mentioned that Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia’s resolution to simply accept exemption from the Asian Video games trials final 12 months hit the picture of their protest towards Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh because it made their motion appear “egocentric”. Sakshi, who was one of many three distinguished faces of the extended protest, made this assertion in her recently-released ebook ‘Witness’. The 32-year-old from Haryana additionally mentioned she was molested in her childhood by a tuition trainer however she saved quiet.
“I couldn’t inform my household about it as a result of I assumed it was my fault. My tuition trainer from my faculty days used to harass me. He would name me over to his place for lessons at odd occasions and typically tried to the touch me. I used to be scared to go for my tuition lessons however I may by no means inform my mother.”
Speaking about her struggles at the beginning of her profession, Sakshi mentioned she hated confrontations and would consider operating away from her bouts initially of her profession.
“It is a worry that I’ve carried to the top of my profession. I’ve by no means loved the precise act of confrontation.
“… I used to be an exceptionally sluggish starter in wrestling. I received my first bout solely after practically two years of my first stepping on a wrestling mat. It wasn’t that I did not have any bodily expertise.
“I used to be at all times one of many quickest and strongest ladies at my teaching centre for my age. However I by no means developed the fearlessness you wanted for a combat. I’d at all times get very nervous earlier than my bouts.”
However she was an image of defiance throughout the protest towards Sharan Singh and mentioned the political class disenchanted her.
She additionally alleged that former wrestler Babita Phogat, who’s now a BJP politician, had egocentric motives though she portrayed herself as a well-wisher for the protesting trio.
“In hindsight, whereas I do know that ending Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s reign was the first purpose for Vinesh and Bajrang, I made the error of pondering that that was Babita’s sole intention too….She did not simply wish to simply do away with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh – she wished to switch him.” Babita couldn’t be reached instantly for a touch upon this assertion.
Within the ebook, Sakshi additionally claimed that her mother and father took away most of her award cash. She additionally alleged that her household was towards her match with fellow wrestler Satyawart Kadian however she took a stand for his or her relationship.
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)
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