Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Aman Sehrawat, along with former world championship bronze-winner Geeta Phogat, on Monday announced that they would soon launch a Wrestling Champions Super League (WCSL) for the country's budding grapplers.
The big catch of course is that is that Wrestling Federation on Indian, controlled by political strongman Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has refused to sanction the initiative. It bears noting that Sakshi, along with fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, have led the long-running fight seeking action against Brij Bhushan, who stands accused of multiple counts of sexual harassment.
Sakshi has, however distanced herself from the latter two after they took the political plunge by joining Congress ahead of next month's Haryana Assembly elections.
Geeta Phogat told PTI that she is hopeful of support from the federation and the government.
"Sakshi and I have been planning this League for long. Soon it will take a final shape. We have not yet spoken to the WFI but it would be great if WFI and government support us. It will be the first league that will be operated only by the players," Phogat said.
Phogat further told PTI: "We are doing it for the players, for their benefit. That is the idea and vision, so no one should have any problem with it. It's a proud moment for us. We won't stop anyone from getting involved in it, if WFI or government comes on board, even better. We have not yet spoken to them.
"There will be international wrestlers, and coaches involved, so it should help our junior wrestlers. They will get good exposure."
The WFI on its part is categorical that sanction would not be given to the league.
"We won't approve it. We are reviving our pro wrestling league and hopefully we will have it soon. The wrestlers are free to do their own league, they can promote the game, but we won't be linked with that," WFI president and Brij Bhushan loyalist Sanjay Singh said.
Asked if there will be prize money involved, and about the format and venue for the event, Phogat said, "You will have to wait a bit to know all this. We will share the details very soon."
Sakshi, who retired from wrestling after Sanjay Singh became WFI head, said she hopes to give back to the sport through this initiative.
"The only way to repay your trust is to dedicate our sporting talent, experience, grit & success to the service of the sport. The 2 of us have therefore come together to create the Wrestling Champions Super League (WCSL)," she posted on X.
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