The wrestling fraternity in India is embroiled in turmoil following a series of events surrounding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections. Bajrang Punia, a prominent wrestler and Olympic medalist, has stood by his decision not to reclaim his Padma Shri award amidst the ongoing controversy.
Punia emphasized his stance, declaring that reconsidering taking back the prestigious award would solely be contingent upon the attainment of what he perceives as justice. “I will not take back Padma Shri. I will think about it only after justice is delivered,” he asserted in a statement to PTI.
The upheaval commenced when Punia, in response to the election controversy within the WFI, penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing his decision to return the Padma Shri award. This symbolic act was his way of making a statement, an expression of discontent over the prevailing situation within the federation.
However, when Punia attempted to place his Padma Shri award outside the Prime Minister’s residence, he was stopped by police officials at Delhi’s Kartavya Path. This act served as a visible manifestation of Punia’s dissatisfaction and the severity of his protest against the developments in the wrestling governing body.
The ongoing controversy escalated after Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from wrestling as a mark of protest against the election of Sanjay Singh, an ally of former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as the federation’s new chief. Allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had prompted demands for his ousting earlier this year.
Sakshi Malik’s emotional retirement announcement, where she tearfully laid her wrestling shoes on the table, reflected the intensity of the turmoil within the wrestling community. Vinesh Phogat, another celebrated wrestler, expressed profound disappointment, voicing concerns about the future of wrestling amid the ongoing struggle.
The saga took a dramatic turn as the Sports Ministry intervened, suspending the Wrestling Federation of India. This decision came in the wake of the WFI’s rapid plans to organize the U-15 and U-20 nationals without providing sufficient preparation time for the wrestlers. Sakshi Malik, in her retirement declaration, had accused the government of reneging on its promise not to appoint an associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh within the federation.
The sports ministry highlighted that the actions of the WFI governing body contravened both the constitution of WFI and the National Sports Development Code, further intensifying the upheaval within the wrestling circles.
Amidst these tumultuous developments, the wrestling community remains in a state of uncertainty, hoping for resolution and justice while grappling with the future trajectory of the sport in India.
Sources By Agencies
