Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia on Friday returned his Padma Shri award, the country's fourth highest civilian honour, in protest over the election of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's aide Sanjay Singh as Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) president.
Punia, along with Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik and double World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat, was the face of wrestlers' protest against Brij Bhushan over the alleged sexual harassment of six female wrestlers.
The 29-year-old took to X to announce his decision. "I am going to return my Padma Shri to the Prime Minister. This is a letter to say that," he wrote.
"Respected Prime Minister, hope your health is well. You must be busy serving the nation. I am writing this to draw your attention to what is happening to the wrestlers of the country. You must be aware that the women wrestlers started a protest in January this year against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. I too joined their protest. The protest stopped after the government promised strong action," the two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist wrote.
"But even after three months, when there was no FIR against Brij Bhushan, we took to the streets in April so that Delhi Police at least files an FIR. Ultimately, we had to go to court to get an FIR registered against Singh. There were 19 complainants in January but the number came down to 7 by April. This means Brij Bhushan exerted his influence and forced the other 12 wrestlers to retract," he continued.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Aamir still keen on Gulshan Kumar biopic despite delays, says Bhushan Kumar
Aamir sir always tells me, 'It's the best script I've ever read in recent times, jo mujhe karni hi karni hai.
Blackstone eyes 20% stake in Haldiram's for $8 bn
Blackstone has dropped plans to acquire a majority stake in the snacks business of India's Haldiram's but is now discussing purchase of a 20% stake at a valuation of $8 billion, which is still a sticking point, sources told Reuters on Thursday.
INDIA'S ECONOMY IS WITHSTANDING GLOBAL RISKS: DAS
The Indian economy is \"sailing through smoothly,\" even as global growth faces accelerating risks ranging from geopolitical tensions to climate change, according to the country's central bank governor.
Kane irked by England Nations League pull outs
Harry Kane says he is disappointed by the high number of withdrawals from the England squad this week, insisting the national team must come first.
CARLSEN TAKES SOLE LEAD AFTER WINNING SPREE IN TATA CHESS INDIA
Round 5 of Rapid category began with handshakes around the tables and the supervisors asking the live audience to put their phones on silent mode.
Ministry objects to ex-office bearer becoming TTFI CEO
SPORTS MINISTRY IN A CIRCULAR TO NSFS AND IOA IN 2022, SAID THAT INELIGIBLE OFFICE BEARERS RETURNING AS CEO OF FEDERATION IS AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF THE GUIDELINES OF THE SPORTS CODE.
Necklace linked to Marie Antoinette sells for $4.8mn
A diamond-studded necklace thought to be linked to a scandal that hastened the downfall of the doomed 18th century queen of France, Marie Antoinette, sold at auction, in Geneva, on Wednesday, for 4.26 million Swiss francs ($4.81 million).
₹$6.7tn climate funding needed yearly by '30'
Global climate investment needs are projected to reach $6.3-6.7 trillion annually by 2030, with emerging economies requiring nearly half the funding, according to a new report by the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance, which called on the ongoing climate conference to deliver on a commitment to deliver at least a trillion dollars every year by 2030.
Support for Ukraine is key to US security, Biden urges Trump
President Joe Biden told President-elect Donald Trump that supporting Ukraine was crucial for American national security, underlining that a strong Europe capable of deterring aggressors would prevent the US from being pulled into continental conflicts, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.
Speaking to the State for citizens
The Supreme Court's order on demolitions is a welcome reminder to the executive to function as a custodian of constitutional values
