Olympian Sakshi Malik has criticized the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for allegedly blocking the return of Vinesh Phogat and herself after becoming mothers, contrasting this with global support for new mothers in sports.
Global Trends in Supporting Athlete Mothers
Around the world, sports organizations are increasingly adopting policies to support female athletes who become mothers. For instance, the International Olympic Committee and several national federations have introduced maternity leave, childcare facilities, and flexible training schedules. Tennis stars like Serena Williams and soccer players like Alex Morgan have successfully returned to top-level competition after childbirth, setting examples for others.
WFI's Stance Under Scrutiny
Malik, a bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, alleged that the WFI has not been cooperative in facilitating the comeback of mother athletes. She specifically mentioned that Vinesh Phogat, a multiple-time world championships medalist, and she herself have faced obstacles. "The WFI is not allowing us to train or compete," Malik said in a recent interview. "We have seen how other countries support their athletes, but here we are being blocked."
Impact on Athletes' Careers
The lack of support can have severe consequences for athletes' careers. Motherhood often forces female wrestlers to take breaks, and without institutional backing, returning to peak performance becomes challenging. Malik emphasized that many talented athletes may be forced to retire early due to these barriers.
Calls for Policy Change
Malik urged the WFI to adopt progressive policies similar to those in other nations. She highlighted the need for:
- Maternity leave provisions
- Childcare support during training and competitions
- Flexible training schedules
- Financial assistance for medical and recovery expenses
She also called on the government to intervene and ensure that female athletes are not discriminated against due to motherhood.
Reactions from the Wrestling Community
Several wrestlers and coaches have expressed solidarity with Malik and Phogat. Many believe that the WFI's approach is outdated and detrimental to the growth of women's wrestling in India. "It is time for the federation to change its mindset," said a former national coach. "Motherhood should not be a career-ending event."
As the debate continues, the spotlight remains on the WFI to address these concerns and align with global best practices in supporting athlete mothers.
