Vinesh Phogat Decides to Return Sporting Honors Amidst Wrestling Federation Turmoil

Vinesh Phogat Decides to Return Sporting Honors Amidst Wrestling Federation Turmoil

VoM News Desk | December 26, 2023 | 09:28 PM IST | Breaking News, Sports | Follow on Google News

Vinesh Phogat Decides to Return Sporting Honors Amidst Wrestling Federation Turmoil/ANI

Vinesh Phogat Decides to Return Sporting Honors Amidst Wrestling Federation Turmoil

Following wrestler Bajrang Punia’s decision to return his Padma Shri award, Vinesh Phogat declared her intent to return the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Award on Tuesday.

This move came amidst the upheaval in India’s wrestling landscape following the recent Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections.

Sanjay Singh, an aide of former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, secured victory as the new president in the recent WFI elections.

This development left several wrestlers disillusioned, prompting emotional reactions from renowned athletes. Sakshi Malik, visibly upset, announced her retirement from wrestling at a press conference held in the national capital.

However, complications arose when the Union Sports Ministry suspended the newly elected WFI body.

The suspension coincided with Sanjay Singh’s announcement of organizing the U-15 and U-20 nationals in Uttar Pradesh’s Nandini Nagar by year-end.

Expressing her discontent, Vinesh Phogat shared her decision to return the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Award via social media.

Addressing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Phogat highlighted the challenges faced by athletes and their declining morale.

Phogat’s letter underscored the diminishing value of sporting accolades amidst turmoil within the wrestling federation.

She expressed dismay over former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s derogatory remarks towards female wrestlers and the adverse impact on their lives.

Citing the degradation of dignity and respect for athletes, Phogat urged the Prime Minister to accept her returned awards.

She emphasized the struggle for justice and the feeling of being marginalized, resonating with the sentiments of other athletes amid the ongoing unrest in the wrestling fraternity.

VoM News Desk

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