Pune Nationals had no value: Sakshi, Vinesh

Jaipur, February 3

Top Indian wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat hit out at the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) today, saying the national championships organised by them in Pune had “no value” and the certificates handed out were “fake”.

The affairs of wrestling sport are being run by the Indian Olympic Association-constituted ad hoc body, while the newly-elected WFI, led by Sanjay Singh, has been suspended by the Sports Ministry for violating its own constitution.

The suspended WFI, despite being warned of legal action by the ministry for organising the Nationals, went ahead with the tournament in Pune from January 29-31.

The IOA ad hoc committee is also organising the Nationals here from February 2-5, and Sakshi said on the sidelines of the tournament that the suspended WFI is just trying to show off its strength by organising the Nationals in Pune.

“They (WFI) have just conducted a parallel national championship and distributed fake certificates,” Sakshi said. “Those nationals are of no value and they (WFI) are just trying to showcase the power they hold,” she added.

Vinesh added: “We want the best for ourselves and other athletes. They (WFI) organised a national tournament, which holds no value.”