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India’s Olympic medal-winning wrestler Bajrang Punia was stopped by police officials on Friday on his way to the Prime Minister’s residence in Delhi to return his Padma Shri award. The wrestler has decided to return the prestigious award in protest against the election of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a close aide, as the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). According to reports, he later placed the Padma Shri medal on a footpath and Delhi Police personnel picked it up.
“When I think of this day, these medals and awards hurt me and I wonder why we were given these, when we fought for our daughters and sisters and we failed. I feel That I am not suitable for this award. The federation was created to support the players, not to humiliate them and push them to the limit of retirement,” Bajrang Punia said while speaking to reporters.
The development comes a day after another top wrestler Sakshi Malik announced that she has decided to quit the sport in protest against the WFI elections. Sakshi Malik said, “We fought from our heart, but if a person like Brij Bhushan, his business partner and close associate is elected as the President of WFI, then I quit wrestling. From today onwards you will see me on the mat. Will not see.” With tears in her eyes.
Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, who led the protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan over sexual harassment allegations, addressed a press conference after the WFI election results.
‘There was dominance, there will be dominance!..: Brij Bhushan
Sanjay Singh, who holds the post of vice-president in the UP Wrestling Association and is a resident of Varanasi, polled a total of 40 votes unlike his rival, 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Anita Sheoran, who polled only 40 votes. Seven votes.
“A message has been given. Every akhada (wrestling academy) in the country is bursting crackers.” There was dominance, there will be dominance! I want to give the credit of the victory to the wrestlers and voters of the country. I also want to thank the government. The elections were held on the directions of the Supreme Court…the Center moved forward to ensure that the elections are held and a non-partisan person is elected President,” Brij Bhushan said after the election results.
However, despite Singh’s victory, the Sheoran-led panel successfully secured the crucial role of general secretary. Former Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) secretary Prem Chand Lochab won the post by defeating Darshan Lal by 27-19 votes.
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Published: 22 Dec 2023, 08:08 PM IST
