On a pivotal Saturday, December 30, Vinesh Phogat, celebrated for clinching Asian Games and Commonwealth Games Gold medals, made a poignant statement by leaving her esteemed Arjuna and Khel Ratna Awards on the pavement of Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Her gesture was symbolic, resonating as a protest against the perceived inadequate treatment of female wrestlers in the country, amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Vinesh Phogat, having articulated her dismay in an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed profound disappointment in the unfolding events. Her disquiet stemmed from the recent election of Sanjay Singh, an individual closely associated with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment from female wrestlers. Vinesh's decision to relinquish her awards was her way of making a statement, a move intended to underscore her discontentment with the prevailing situation.
In an attempt to deposit her awards outside the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi, Vinesh Phogat was halted by law enforcement personnel along Kartavya Path. Undeterred, she chose to leave her accolades on the pavement, a symbolic act echoing her strong sentiments.
Vinesh Phogat had conveyed in her letter her intention to return the Arjuna and Khel Ratna Awards, lamenting the lack of justice for female wrestlers. She underscored the profound significance of dignity for every woman and expressed her desire to unburden herself from these awards, which had lost their significance in her life.
Moreover, this action by Vinesh Phogat follows similar protests within the wrestling community. Bajrang Punia, another prominent wrestler, had earlier returned his Padma Shri Award, leaving it on the same Kartavya Path pavement earlier in the month, marking his protest. In a parallel move, Sakshee Malikkh retired as a form of protest against the newly-elected WFI panel, expressing her discontent in an emotional press conference in the capital city in December.
The sentiments were echoed further as Bajrang Punia expressed his concerns regarding the dire situation faced by female wrestlers, emphasizing the turmoil the women wrestlers of the country were undergoing.
Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshee Malikkh collectively raised their opposition against the new WFI governing body under Sanjay Singh's leadership, fearing undue influence from Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The wrestlers demanded justice for the female athletes who had come forth to file complaints in a sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan.
The election victory celebration images of Sanjay Singh alongside Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh circulated widely on December 21, raising eyebrows. However, the elation was short-lived as the Sports Ministry suspended the WFI body, citing its alleged control by former office bearers and criticized the haste in decisions taken by Sanjay Singh. The ministry raised questions about the WFI office still operating from Brij Bhushan's residence.
In response, the Indian Olympic Association formed a three-member ad-hoc panel to oversee the operations of the WFI after its suspension by the Sports Ministry.
Adding to the turmoil, Bajrang Punia urged the Sports Ministry to resume wrestling tournaments in India, emphasizing the need for proper training for athletes in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics next year.
