Vinesh Phogat responded to Sakshi Malik’s criticism of their decision to skip Asian Games trials. Bajrang Punia downplayed any rift in their friendship.
Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat has responded to Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik’s allegation of weakening the wrestlers’ protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
In Witness, Malik charged Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia with compromising the credibility of their movement by agreeing to take exemptions to participate in the Asian Games trials.
According to her, “people close” to them have “put greed” in their minds, making a genuine protest of a heroic posture self-centered.
Countering, Vinesh said on Tuesday: “What is the greed for? You ask her (Sakshi Malik). If speaking for the sisters is greed, I have that greed, which is good. If this is greed – to bring an Olympic medal by representing the country, it’s good greed.”.
Bajrang Punia dismissed reports of a rift between him and Sakshi Malik, saying her opinions were only hers.
He expressed confidence in their friendship by stating: “It’s her personal view. She was our friend and will continue to be so. I can’t comment on what she has said.”
The three wrestlers have allegedly accused former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment, a case on which the Delhi court is regularly hearing.
