Bajrang Punia Returns Padma Shree Award Over WFI President Election

Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia has chosen to return his Padma Shree award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the election of Sanjay Singh as the new President of the WFI.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punia expressed his intention to return the Padma Shree honor bestowed upon him in 2019.

Sanjay, a close ally of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, clinched the presidency, securing 13 out of 15 positions in the elections.

Disappointment clouded top wrestlers like Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia who had fervently advocated for a change in WFI leadership. Their dismay stemmed from Sanjay, a loyalist of Brij Bhushan, assuming the role of WFI president.

Earlier this year, these prominent wrestlers initiated a protest against Brij Bhushan, alleging his involvement in the exploitation of female wrestlers, a matter currently under legal scrutiny.

Sakshi announced her retirement from wrestling during a press conference by symbolically placing her wrestling shoes on the table.

Addressing the media, Bajrang expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome of the WFI elections.

"It's regrettable that the government did not uphold its assurance of preventing Brij Bhushan loyalists from contesting the WFI elections," lamented Bajrang.

"After our protest in January, a supervisory committee was formed by the ministry. Numerous female wrestlers testified before the panel, and the sports minister publicly stated that individuals associated with Brij Bhushan would not be permitted into the WFI."

"We waited three months for the oversight committee's decision before resuming our protest. Our fight was for the truth and dignity of our sisters and daughters," remarked the 29-year-old wrestler.

Reflecting on the prolonged battle, the Tokyo Games bronze medalist highlighted the possibility of future generations having to endure before achieving justice.

"The struggle we've undertaken might span 2-3 generations before justice prevails. We fought vehemently, but the government couldn't uphold its commitment. It's disheartening," he concluded.