Vinesh Phogat, the three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and one of the most successful Indian wrestlers, has announced that she will return her prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award in a mark of protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) body. She also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the reasons behind her decision.
Phogat, who is the daughter of former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, said that she was disappointed with the way the WFI conducted its election process, which was marred by allegations of corruption and nepotism. She claimed that many wrestlers were denied their rightful dues and recognition by the WFI, which was led by former wrestler Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
She also mentioned that other prominent wrestlers like Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia had also decided to quit their awards or express their dissatisfaction with the WFI. She said that she felt betrayed by the WFI and wanted to send a message to the government and the public about the need for reforms in sports administration.
“I am returning my Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award. Many thanks to the Almighty for bringing us to this condition,” Phogat wrote on social media. She also added a letter addressed to PM Modi on Tuesday, requesting him to intervene in the matter and take necessary steps to ensure fair play and transparency in sports.
Phogat’s decision comes just days after Punia had written a letter to PM Modi stating that he wished to return his Padma Shri award, which he had received in 2019 for his achievements in wrestling. Punia had accused Sharan Singh of favouring his relatives and friends over deserving wrestlers in various tournaments.
मैं अपना मेजर ध्यानचंद खेल रत्न और अर्जुन अवार्ड वापस कर रही हूँ।
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) December 26, 2023
इस हालत में पहुँचाने के लिए ताकतवर का बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद 🙏 pic.twitter.com/KlhJzDPu9D
The WFI has been facing criticism from various quarters for its poor performance in international events, lack of infrastructure, financial irregularities, doping scandals, and internal conflicts. The WFI has been suspended by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) since November 2020 over allegations of mismanagement and violation of rules.
The SAI has appointed a committee headed by former wrestler G.S. Dhillon to oversee the affairs of wrestling in India until further orders. The committee has been asked to submit a report within four weeks on how to improve the situation of wrestling in India.
Phogat’s move is likely to spark a debate on whether athletes should have the right to return their awards or not. Some may argue that it is a sign of patriotism and sacrifice for one’s country, while others may contend that it is an act of disrespect towards those who have worked hard for their achievements. What do you think?
