Sakshi Malik, Aman Sehrawat announce Wrestling Champions Super League; WFI says 'won't approve it'

NEW DELHI: Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Aman Sehrawat, alongside former world championship bronze medalist Geeta Phogat, have unveiled plans to establish the Wrestling Champions Super League (WCSL), an initiative aimed at nurturing emerging wrestling talent in India.
The league's announcement comes amidst a backdrop of controversy surrounding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

While details regarding the league's format, venue, and prize money remain undisclosed, Phogat emphasized its objective to provide Indian wrestlers with valuable exposure by featuring international wrestlers and coaches.
She expressed hope for support from both the WFI and the government, emphasizing the league's player-centric approach.
"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 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," she added. "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."
However, the WFI, currently led by Sanjay Singh, has stated its refusal to sanction the WCSL, citing plans to revive its own pro wrestling 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 Sanjay Singh said.
Sakshi Malik, who retired following the WFI leadership change, views the WCSL as an avenue to contribute to the sport after her competitive career.
"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.
The announcement comes after Malik's distancing from fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, who recently joined the Congress party ahead of the Haryana assembly elections.