Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik has made some shocking revelations in her newly released autobiography, ‘Witness’, co-authored with Jonathan Selvaraj. She shares her struggles, including childhood trauma, and sheds light on the complications within the protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Bajrang and Vinesh’s Exemption from Trials Created Rift
Sakshi candidly discusses how Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat—her close allies in the protest—hurt the movement’s credibility by opting out of the Asian Games trials. While Sakshi chose not to skip the trials, she explains how Bajrang and Vinesh’s decision gave the impression that the protest was motivated by personal interests, alienating supporters.
This exemption, granted by the ad-hoc wrestling committee, became a turning point. It led many to question the intentions behind the protest against Brij Bhushan, who is facing trial for allegedly sexually harassing female wrestlers.
“Greed Changed the Course of the Protest”
Sakshi reveals that influences from people close to Bajrang and Vinesh affected their decisions, saying, “Like before, selfish thinking started dominating.” She feels this shift damaged the movement’s image, making it seem driven by personal gains rather than justice.
Interestingly, both Bajrang and Vinesh joined the Congress party before the Haryana elections, with Vinesh winning the Julana seat and Bajrang becoming the head of the party’s farmers’ unit.
Childhood Trauma and Fear of Speaking Out
In an emotional segment of her book, Sakshi shares that she was sexually harassed by her tuition teacher during childhood. She recounts how the teacher would call her for classes at odd hours and touch her inappropriately. “I couldn’t tell my family because I felt it was my fault,” she admits, highlighting the emotional burden she carried throughout her early years.
Babita Phogat’s Role Criticized
Sakshi also accuses former wrestler Babita Phogat of exploiting the protests for personal benefit. According to Sakshi, Babita’s actions seemed focused on self-interest, further complicating the dynamics of the movement.
A Glimpse into Sakshi’s Career Journey
Beyond personal challenges, ‘Witness’ also offers insights into Sakshi’s struggles in her wrestling career. From overcoming financial difficulties to fighting for opportunities, the book highlights the tough path she took to become an Olympic bronze medalist.
This candid account not only reflects Sakshi’s journey but also exposes the inner challenges of leading a movement and dealing with betrayals.
