Indian Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia has returned his Padma Shri award in protest against the election of Sanjay Singh as the new Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, a close aide of the outgoing chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. This move follows Sakshi Malik’s decision to quit wrestling, expressing dissatisfaction with Sanjay Singh’s election. Punia, in a detailed statement to Prime Minister Modi, highlighted concerns about the delayed action against Brij Bhushan amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Punia revealed that the women wrestlers protested against Brij Bhushan in January, accusing him of harassment, and the protest resumed in April after no FIR was filed. Despite the initial 19 complainants decreasing to 7, Punia suggested Brij Bhushan’s influence on the wrestlers. Sanjay Singh won the WFI elections against former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Anita Sheoran.
During a press conference with Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, Punia shared that their 40-day protest faced challenges, including the demolition of their protest site and being barred from Delhi. In frustration, they symbolically immersed their medals in the Ganga river but were stopped by farmers and coaches. Home Minister Amit Shah assured justice, but Brij Bhushan’s recent statement raised concerns.
Feeling pressured and unhappy, Punia questioned whether he should continue under the weight of honors like Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award. He expressed disappointment with the mental pressure that led to Sakshi Malik quitting the sport.
The turmoil stems from protests against Brij Bhushan, accused of sexual harassment, and the subsequent election of Sanjay Singh. The athletes’ dissatisfaction with the governance of WFI and concerns about justice have led to symbolic actions, including returning awards and quitting the sport, signaling the need for attention and resolution in Indian wrestling.