Vinesh Phogat to return Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award; writes to PM Modi on December 26, 2023
New Delhi – Two-time World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday announced that she will return her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, the two highest sporting honours awarded in India.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Phogat said that she is taking this step in protest against the recent election of Sanjay Singh as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Singh is a close aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP MP who has been accused of sexual harassment by Phogat and other wrestlers.
“I have always strived to bring glory to my country and to inspire others to follow their dreams,” Phogat wrote. “However, the recent events in the WFI have made it clear that the federation is not committed to the development of wrestling in India.
“I am deeply disappointed that the WFI has elected a president who has been accused of sexual harassment by several wrestlers, including me. This sends a message that the federation does not care about the safety and well-being of its athletes.
“I am returning my Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award to protest against this injustice. I hope that my decision will help to bring about change in the WFI and ensure that all wrestlers are treated with respect and dignity.”
Phogat’s decision comes days after Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri award in protest against the same issue.
The WFI elections were held on December 22, and Singh was elected as the president with 13 of the 15 votes. The elections were marred by controversy, with several wrestlers alleging that there was foul play.
Phogat is a four-time Asian Championship medallist and a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist. She is considered one of India’s brightest hopes for a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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