Picture from her FB Wall
New Delhi : In a significant development, India’s top wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, has made the bold decision to return her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards as a protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This move follows a wave of similar actions, including the recent returns of Padma Shri awards by Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Deaflympics champion Virender Singh Yadav.
Vinesh Phogat’s announcement came through an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing her dissatisfaction with the ongoing controversy surrounding the WFI. The decision comes in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against BJP MP Brij Bhushan, the former chief of WFI, by multiple women wrestlers, including prominent figures like Phogat, Sakshee Malikkh, and Bajrang Punia.
Phogat, a recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2016 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2020, emphasized her stand against Bhushan and the subsequent appointment of his ally, Sanjay Singh. Singh, however, has been removed from his post by the Sports Ministry.
In her letter, Phogat directly addressed Prime Minister Modi, stating, “Prime Minister, I am Vinesh Phogat, a daughter of your house, and I am writing this letter to you to tell you about the condition I have been in for the past year.” She recounted the positive impact of government recognition, citing the example of Sakshi Malik being named the brand ambassador of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ after winning an Olympic medal in 2016.
Phogat urged the Prime Minister to pay attention to Bhushan’s admission on live television that he had made women wrestlers uncomfortable. This, she asserted, underscores the need for accountability and justice in the sporting community.
Brij Bhushan, responding to the suspension of his aide Sanjay Singh, declared his retirement from wrestling-related matters and politics. Bhushan emphasized that the wrestling issue should be resolved between the government and the elected federation, distancing himself from any further involvement.
This latest act by Vinesh Phogat adds to the growing wave of symbolic protests within the Indian sporting fraternity, demanding transparency, accountability, and a safe environment for athletes. The situation continues to unfold, raising questions about the governance and ethics within the realm of Indian sports.
