Bajrang Punia Returns Padma Shri After Brij Bhushan’s Aide Becomes WFI Chief

New Delhi: Ace Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has taken a bold step, returning his Padma Shri award in protest against the appointment of Sanjay Singh as the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), citing concerns over his association with Brij Bhushan.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punia expressed disappointment in the delayed action against Brij Bhushan, accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.

मैं अपना पद्मश्री पुरस्कार प्रधानमंत्री जी को वापस लौटा रहा हूँ. कहने के लिए बस मेरा यह पत्र है. यही मेरी स्टेटमेंट है। 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/PYfA9KhUg9

— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) December 22, 2023

The WFI elections saw Sanjay Singh defeating Anita Sheoran, triggering reactions from prominent wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia. Sakshi Malik, expressing her dismay, announced her decision to quit wrestling in protest.

The WFI elections, initially scheduled for June, were marred by controversy and postponed, with top wrestlers, including Punia and Malik, engaging in a 5-month-long protest against Bhushan’s alleged misconduct.