Wrestling sensation Vinesh Phogat, a double World Championships bronze medallist and two-time Olympian, has made a significant statement by announcing her decision to return the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards. Phogat, 29, addressed a note to Prime Minister Narendra Modi , shedding light on the challenges she and other women athletes have faced.
From Bajrang Punia to Sakshi Malik
This move by Vinesh Phogat follows a recent trend where Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, and Rio Games bronze medallist Sakshi Malik announced her retirement. The decisions by these accomplished athletes coincide with the dominance of Sanjay Singh’s panel in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) polls, leading to the suspension of WFI by the sports ministry.
The sports ministry intervened by suspending WFI, citing a “blatant disregard for legal and procedural norms” and violations of the federation constitution and National Sports Code. The ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish an ad-hoc committee to oversee the federation. Despite the suspension, IOA is yet to name the members of the new committee.
Phogat’s Open Letter to Prime Minister Modi
In her open letter to Prime Minister Modi, Vinesh Phogat expressed her disappointment with the treatment of women athletes and highlighted the challenges they face. She drew attention to the influence of a controversial figure in the wrestling community, who has been accused of misconduct. Phogat’s decision to return her awards is a poignant plea for justice and dignity for women athletes.
A Symbolic Gesture for Dignity and Justice
Vinesh Phogat, in her letter, emphasized that the awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, no longer hold significance for her. She urged for an end to the demeaning treatment of women athletes and raised questions about the true value placed on their achievements. The returning of awards serves as a symbolic gesture to free athletes from the weight of honors that have lost their meaning in the face of injustice.
