In a groundbreaking revelation, Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik has made serious accusations against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brijbhushan Singh in her newly released book, *Witness*. The 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medalist has alleged that Singh attempted to molest her during the 2012 Asian Junior Championship held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In an excerpt from her book, Malik recounts her experience as a 20-year-old athlete who had just excelled in her competition. According to her, Singh summoned her to his hotel room under the pretense of congratulating her and even placed a phone call to her parents. “I was talking to my parents on the phone, informing them about how I played and won the medal that day. But the moment I hung up the phone, Singh molested me on his bed,” she writes. Malik describes the traumatic moment, revealing how she was blindsided by Singh's actions right after what she thought was a celebratory conversation with her family.
“I was shocked, and they started crying,” she recalls, detailing how Singh backed off only after she reacted defensively. She further claims he attempted to justify his actions by likening himself to a father figure. “But it was clear that the situation in that room was definitely not like that. I ran from their room to my room crying,” she added. In her book, Malik does not shy away from discussing her past, revealing that she was a victim of sexual abuse as a child. She recounts a harrowing experience of being molested by a private tutor, which she kept hidden from her family due to feelings of shame and guilt. “I faced molestation even as a child, but I couldn't tell my family because I thought it was my fault,” she shares candidly.
Sakshi Malik’s allegations have sparked outrage and concern within the wrestling community and beyond, prompting discussions about the safety and well-being of athletes in high-pressure environments. As her story unfolds in Witness, Malik continues to advocate for awareness and justice surrounding issues of sexual harassment and abuse, illuminating the dark experiences that many individuals face in silence. As the conversation around these allegations gains momentum, the wrestling community and fans alike are left to consider the implications of these serious claims and the importance of creating safe spaces for all athletes.
