Sakshi Malik might have retired from wrestling a few months ago, but the ex-pugilist continues to remain a force to reckon with. The Rio Olympics bronze medalist has now emerged in the Times magazine list of 100 most influential people of 2024. Her inclusion is a result of the strong stance that she maintained throughout the protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh.
It had all started in January 2023, where a group of wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat & Sakshi spoke up against the alleged sexual harassment by Brij Bhushan. The wrestlers demanded the ouster of the latter, apart from his arrest as well.
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Sakshi Malik’s Efforts Reap Fruits
With repeated pressure, Sakshi Malik ensured that the wrestlers’ demands were met, and action against Brij Bhushan was taken. In fact, she went to the extent of quitting the sport, for the cause of the same. She had famously said, “This fight is no longer only for India’s female wrestlers. It is for the daughters of India whose voices have been silenced time and again.”
Sakshi Only Sportsperson in List
Sakshi is the only sportsperson to make the list of 100 most influential people of 2024. The other Indians in the list include Alia Bhatt, Dev Patel, and Satya Nadella. What is surprising is, there is no Indian cricketer in the list. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni did not make the cut.
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