Wrestling Federation of India has no money to reward Sakshi Malik

Sakshi Malik had ended India’s medal-less run at the Rio Olympics after defeating Kyrgyzstan's Aisuluu Tynybekova in the bronze-medal match in the women’s 58 kg freestyle category. After her heroics at Rio, the 23-year-old was recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, and more awards were showered on her today when she returned to the country from Rio. Sakshi Malik was awarded Rs. 2.5 crore by the Haryana government and also named her as the brand ambassador of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign in the state. But, with the Wrestling Federation of India struggling with the finances, President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said that they cannot give Sakshi Malik any cash rewards.

We've no money to reward Sakshi."

"We've no money to reward Sakshi," WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh told TOI from Gonda in Uttar Pradesh.

"The government gives us Rs 2 lakh to conduct the nationals, which is way too less. I spend almost Rs 1 crore from my pocket to conduct the senior nationals, and Rs 50 lakh each to hold the cadet and junior wrestling competitions. Sadly, no big sponsor has come to back us so far,” he added.

The WFI President also blamed Sports Authority of India for the lack of financial support for the sport.

"You know, every kid training at a SAI-affiliated centre gets Rs 700 per month to manage his/her expenses. This amount should be at least Rs 7000. With such an approach, how do expect to match the likes of China, Japan, and other top sporting nations of the world?" Singh lamented.