Vinesh Phogat attempted to deliver her awards to the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi. However, her plan was thwarted by the police at the Kartavya Path.
Digital Desk: Asian Games and Commonwealth Games Gold medalist Vinesh Phogat made a statement on Saturday, December 30 by leaving her renowned Arjuna and Khel Ratna awards on the Kartavya Path road in New Delhi. Against the backdrop of the ongoing issue surrounding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), this act was a protest against the maltreatment of female wrestlers in the nation.
I am deeply disappointed about the recent happenings and Sanjay Singh's selection as the new president of WFI, Vinesh wrote in an emotional open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh is close to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of harassing female wrestlers, therefore it should be mentioned.
Vinesh Phogat tried to take her awards to the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi. But the police at the Kartavya Path thwarted her plan. Unfazed, Vinesh decided to leave her esteemed prizes on the Kartavya Path pavement.
The finest wrestlers in India, notably Vinesh, Sakshee Malik, and Bajrang Punia, spearheaded months-long protests that culminated in this incident. Under the direction of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, their united front sought to bring attention to the alleged harassment experienced by female wrestlers.
"I was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, but they hold no meaning in my life anymore. Every woman wants to live life with respect. Therefore, Prime Minister, I want to return my Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award to you so that these awards don't become a burden on us in the path of living with honor," she had written in her letter to the PM.
Notably, earlier this month, Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri Award, which he had earlier left on the Kartavya Path pavement as a symbol of protest. However, Sakshi Malik announced her retirement in December, citing her disapproval of the recently elected WFI panel at a moving press conference in the nation's capital.
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