Vinesh Phogat Leaves Arjuna, Khel Ratna Awards on Kartavya Path Pavement in New Delhi

New Delhi: Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat took a bold stand on December 30, leaving her Arjuna and Khel Ratna Awards on the pavement of Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This symbolic protest comes in response to the treatment of female wrestlers in India and the ongoing controversy within the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vinesh expressed her disappointment over the election of Sanjay Singh as the new WFI president. Singh is a close associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced accusations of sexual harassment from female wrestlers.

Despite her attempt to leave the awards outside the Prime Minister’s Office, Vinesh was stopped by the police at Kartavya Path. Undeterred, she left the awards on the pavement as a gesture of protest.

Vinesh, along with other top wrestlers like Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, had been at the forefront of protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The former WFI chief was accused of sexual harassment, prompting months-long demonstrations by the wrestling community.

In her letter to the Prime Minister, Vinesh expressed her disillusionment, stating, “I was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, but they hold no meaning in my life anymore.” She emphasized the need for justice for female wrestlers and returned the awards to ensure they don’t become a burden on the path of living with honour.

Bajrang Punia had earlier returned his Padma Shri Award in a similar act of protest, while Sakshi Malik retired in opposition to the newly-elected WFI panel in December.

The wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, opposed the Sanjay Singh-led WFI governing body, expressing concerns about its potential influence from Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The athletes demanded justice for female wrestlers who had filed complaints in a sexual harassment case against the former WFI chief.

Sanjay Singh won the WFI elections, defeating Commonwealth Games Gold medalist Anita Sheoran, a witness in the harassment case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Visuals of Singh celebrating with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh raised eyebrows, leading to the suspension of the WFI body by the Sports Ministry.