Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Writes Letter to PM Modi, Will Return National Awards
New Delhi: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, known for her gold medal wins at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, has joined the growing list of athletes returning their awards in protest. Less than a week after Sakshee Malikkh announced her retirement from wrestling and Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, Phogat has decided to give back her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards.
Phogat’s decision comes in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India. Alongside Malikkh and Punia, Phogat had actively participated in protests against Singh.
The wrestlers’ actions have occurred rapidly, with all three making their choices within six days of Singh’s panel winning the Wrestling Federation of India elections. However, the panel was later suspended by the sports ministry.
In an emotional letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Phogat questioned the treatment of women wrestlers and expressed her desire to live with dignity. She stated that she did not want her awards to become a burden and mentioned that athletes who demand justice are now being labeled as traitors.
The response to these athletes’ protests and the allegations against Singh is eagerly awaited.
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