On Tuesday, accomplished wrestler Vinesh Phogat declared her decision to return both the prestigious Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards to the government. This announcement comes in protest against the government's support for former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
In a statement shared on social media, Vinesh Phogat expressed her discontent, joining Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, who had already declared their decision to relinquish awards. In her letter addressed to the Prime Minister, posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Phogat stated, "I am returning my Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the Arjuna Award. Thanks to the powerful people for pushing things to this stage."
The wrestlers' dissatisfaction stems from the government's alleged failure to prevent a close associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from assuming the presidency of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Phogat accused the Modi government of abandoning Sakshi Malik, previously named the brand ambassador of the Save Girl Child campaign, in favor of supporting Brij Bhushan. The wrestlers claim that Singh has been involved in the sexual harassment of young female wrestlers.
In her letter, Phogat highlighted the disparity between the glamour of advertisements and the harsh reality faced by athletes. She emphasized the struggles they have endured in the past couple of years and expressed frustration over the government's support for individuals accused of harassment.
Phogat urged the Prime Minister to spare five minutes from his busy schedule to listen to the confessions made by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and his aide Sanjay Singh in media statements. She asserted that their admissions would reveal their involvement in harassing women wrestlers.
Vinesh Phogat, along with other prominent wrestlers, had led a two-month-long protest demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh before being forcibly detained by the Delhi Police. The wrestlers are taking a bold stand to hold accountable those accused of misconduct in the sports community.
(With Agency Inputs)
