Four days after Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri medallion, another Olympic medallist wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, has followed suit in protesting against the election of Sanjay Singh as the new Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president. Phogat, who has won the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards, left her accolades on a pavement in New Delhi. Phogat’s decision to return her awards comes after Delhi Police requested her to leave when she was heading towards the Prime Minister’s Office to return them. The athletes are showing their discontent with Singh’s election, as he is considered close to Brij Bhushan, the former WFI president.
This move by the two wrestlers highlights the growing frustration among athletes regarding the current state of the WFI. The election of Sanjay Singh has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process. It is believed that Singh’s close ties with Brij Bhushan may lead to favoritism and biased decision-making within the federation.
By returning their awards, Punia and Phogat are using their platforms to bring attention to these issues and demand a more transparent and democratic approach to the management of Indian wrestling. Their actions have sparked discussions about the need for reforms in the WFI and the importance of athletes’ voices in decision-making processes.
The protest by these two accomplished wrestlers has gained significant media attention and has become a rallying point for other athletes who share similar concerns. It has also ignited a debate about the responsibility of sportspersons to use their platforms for social change. While some argue that athletes should focus solely on their sport, others believe that they have a moral obligation to speak out against injustice and fight for a fair and transparent system.
As the wrestling community awaits a response from the authorities, the actions of Punia and Phogat serve as reminders that athletes, as public figures, have the power to influence change and hold sports organizations accountable for their actions. It remains to be seen whether their protest will lead to concrete reforms in the WFI or if it will fade away as just another fleeting moment of dissent.
For now, Punia’s and Phogat’s bold acts of returning their awards have brought the uncomfortable truth about the state of Indian wrestling to the forefront. It is a wake-up call for sports authorities and fans alike to reflect on the need for a fair, transparent, and athlete-centered approach in the management of sports in India.
