ON a day when Bajrang Punia decided to return his Padma Shri (2019), the Wrestling Federation of India announced the dates for the all-important senior nationals in January-February next year. Bajrang was stopped before reaching the Prime Minister's residence to return the award. In an emotional letter, he reasoned out the decision. However, the whole episode has left Bajrangbacked senior vice-president, Devender Kadyan a little baffled. He was among the two candidates elected in the 15-member office bearers list. Prem Chand Lochab, former secretary of the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) was elected the secretary.
Hailing from Haryana, Kadyan, also a BJP leader, is considered close to Bajrang and was also associated with the protest the wrestlers launched against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in January. He came to know about the decision of Sakshi Malik, an integral part of the protest, to quit wrestling through the media and even met her personally in the national capital after being elected. "I met Sakshi in the evening but by then she had already addressed the press conference and announced her decision to quit wrestling in protest," Kadyan told this daily.
This story is from the December 23, 2023 edition of The New Indian Express.
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 December 23, 2023 edition of The New Indian Express.
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
MP's tribal districts top list of malnourished kids
TRIBAL dominated districts of Madhya Pradesh have the highest number of underweight and malnourished kids.
Believe it or not! Gujarat tantric goes to govt hospital ICU to cure patients
AN occultist gained access to the ICU of a government hospital in Gujarat, one of Asia's most renowned hospitals, and performed rituals to \"cure\" a patient, triggering outrage among the public.
Sambhal MP moves HC against arrest
SAMAJWADI leader and Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq has moved Allahabad High Court seeking protection from arrest in a case filed against him for Sambhal violence.
Paper leak: HC rejects plea against blacklisting of J'khand exam agency
A day after staying the results of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination, the Jharkhand High Court rejected a petition challenging the blacklisting of the agency that conducted the examination.
Cong leader dies after falling sick due to teargas
AN Assam Congress leader died after falling sick due to the tear gas shells thrown at party workers during the \"Raj Bhavan Chalo\" march in Guwahati on Wednesday.
Diljit's Chandigarh concert exceeded noise level limits
THE Chandigarh administration told the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday that the noise levels exceeded the prescribed limits during Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's concert here on Saturday and that \"strict action\" has been recommended against the violators.
Nitish face of NDA in Bihar elections: JD(U)
THE JD (U) on Wednesday said that the NDA would contest the Bihar assembly elections under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, irrespective of what formula was decided for the polls.
No allocation of portfolios amid Maha knot over home
Fadnavis launches dept site indicating he wants to keep the ministry
Minorities under attack in Bangla: 685 Indians write open letter seeking peace
IN an open letter, over 650 eminent persons, including former judges, bureaucrats and ambassadors, have urged people of Bangladesh to continue being on the path of peace and friendship that existed between the two nations for five decades.
NIA conducts raids in 17 places across 4 states in Muzaffarpur arms haul case
IN a multi-state operation, the National Investigation Agency on Wednesday conducted raids at 17 locations, in connection with the recovery of AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition in Bihar's Muzaffarpur in May.
