New Delhi. Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Saturday returned her Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards in protest against the government’s role in the entire Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) episode. Vinesh had announced three days ago that she would return her awards after Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was elected president. Top wrestlers had asked the Sports Ministry not to allow Sanjay Singh to participate in the elections as it would mean the continued dominance of Brij Bhushan in the WFI.
On Saturday, Vinesh tried to reach the Prime Minister’s Office to return the award, but security officials stopped her from reaching there. Eventually, he placed his Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna award on the footpath near the PMO office, just like Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia had placed his Padma Shri award.
Vinesh reached the venue with a crowd of media persons following her. He reiterated his reasons for returning the award. Asian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat had on Tuesday announced that she will return her Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards in protest against the government’s support to former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
In a statement issued on social media on Tuesday after Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik announced her decision to quit wrestling and Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri award, Vinesh Phogat became the third high-profile wrestler to decide to give up her government-given awards. Gone.
Vinesh said in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, “I am returning my Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Award. “Thanks to the powerful people for bringing things to this level.”
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Tags: Bajrang punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat
FIRST PUBLISHED : December 30, 2023, 8:09 PM IST
