Vinesh Phogat Returns Arjuna Award

Vinesh Phogat Takes Stand, Returns Awards Amid Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Controversy

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, a recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and the Arjuna Award in 2020 has announced her decision to return these prestigious honors. In a strongly worded open letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Phogat expressed her discontent with the recent Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections held on December 21.

The crux of the matter revolves around the election results, where individuals closely affiliated with BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh secured victory in 13 out of 15 posts, including the president’s position.

Phogat’s decision to relinquish her awards is part of a larger protest against what athletes perceive as undue political influence in the wrestling federation. Alongside fellow wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, Phogat has been vocal about issues concerning Brij Bhushan’s alleged misconduct towards female wrestlers, including minors.

The Sports Ministry responded to the situation by suspending the WFI and appointing an interim panel under the Indian Olympic Association to oversee federation affairs. However, the protesting wrestlers, including Phogat, expressed dissatisfaction, stressing the need for concrete actions against Brij Bhushan.

Despite the suspension, Brij Bhushan continues to hold his position as a BJP MP in the Lok Sabha, prompting further discontent among the athletes. In her open letter, Phogat questions whether women athletes are reduced to mere faces in government advertisements and highlights the paradox between adorning billboards and being labeled traitors when raising their voices for justice.

The return of awards by top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, underscores the urgency of addressing underlying issues within Indian wrestling.

The wrestlers’ determination signals a pivotal moment in Indian sports, emphasizing the need for transparency, justice, and fair governance within sports federations.

_{Repurposed article originally published ShethePeople}