In a bold move echoing the sentiments of protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Bajrang Punia, the accomplished Indian wrestler, has chosen to return his Padma Shri award. This comes a day after fellow wrestler Sakshi Malik announced her retirement in response to the appointment of Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan Singh, as the new WFI Chief.
Dramatic Scene Unfolds Outside PM’s Residence
A video circulating on social media captures the dramatic moment when Bajrang Punia placed his Padma Shri award on the footpath outside the Prime Minister’s residence. Surrounded by police officials and media personnel, Punia remained resolute in his decision despite efforts to dissuade him from returning the prestigious award.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bajrang Punia addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a heartfelt letter, expressing his concerns about the state of affairs in Indian wrestling. He recounted the earlier protests against Brij Bhushan Singh and the subsequent promises made by the government, which led to the cessation of the protest.
Acknowledging the honors bestowed upon him by the government, including the Padma Shri in 2019, Punia expressed deep sadness over the mistreatment of women athletes in the sport. The decision to return the award stems from the belief that he cannot bear the title while women wrestlers face insults and insecurity.
Bajrang Punia stated, “The government has given us a lot. I was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2019. I also received the Arjuna, Khel Ratna award. But today the sadness weighs more. And the reason is a woman wrestler left the sport because of her security. I can’t live my life as a Padma Shri awardee while our women wrestlers are insulted. Hence I return this award to you.”
WFI Elections Trigger Protests
The recent elections within the Wrestling Federation of India saw Sanjay Singh elected as the WFI Chief, succeeding Brij Bhushan Singh. Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, along with other wrestlers, had been vocal about their opposition to the leadership, citing concerns about the mistreatment of women in the sport.
Sakshi Malik, reacting to Sanjay Singh’s victory, resigned from wrestling and expressed disappointment over the lack of women’s representation in key positions within WFI. During a press conference, she emphasized the need for a woman to lead the federation to prevent harassment.
While Sanjay Singh’s election has sparked controversy and protests, there is hope for the resumption of wrestling events across the country. However, the challenges posed by the resignation of prominent wrestlers and their calls for a more inclusive and secure environment highlight the need for careful leadership decisions in Indian wrestling.
