In a letter directed to Prime Minister Modi, Bajrang Punia expressed his inability to continue as a recipient of the Padma Shri award while women wrestlers feel disrespected. Following wrestler Sakshi Malik’s decision to retire in protest against the appointment of Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan, as the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, Bajrang Punia took to Twitter to announce his return of the Padma Shri award. “I am returning my Padmashree award to the Prime Minister. This letter serves as my official announcement and statement,” Bajrang Punia tweeted. After Sanjay Singh’s election as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat held a press conference, during which Sakshi declared her retirement from the sport as a form of protest. Tearfully, she stated, “We fought with all our hearts, but if someone like Brij Bhushan, his business partner, and a close associate is elected as the president of WFI, I am giving up wrestling. From this day forward, you will not see me on the mat,” as she held her boots.
Respected Prime Minister Ji,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I understand that you are occupied with numerous responsibilities, but I am writing to bring your attention to the concerns of the wrestlers in our country. As you may be aware, the women wrestlers of our nation initiated a protest in January of this year against Brij Bhushan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. I also joined their protest. The protest ceased after the government assured us of taking strong action. However, even after three months, no FIR was filed against Brij Bhushan. In April, we took to the streets once again, urging the police to at least register an FIR against him. Initially, there were 19 complainants in January, but by April, the number had decreased to 7. This indicates that Brij Bhushan had exerted his influence over 12 women wrestlers. Our protest continued for 40 days, during which we faced immense pressure. We even went to immerse our medals in the Ganga River, but were stopped by farmer leaders. It was during this time that a responsible minister from your cabinet contacted us and assured us of justice. Additionally, we met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who also promised us justice. Consequently, we ended our protest. However, in the WFI election on December 21, the federation once again came under the leadership of Brij Bhushan. He himself declared that he would continue to dominate the federation as he always had. Under tremendous pressure, Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from wrestling. This news left all of us in tears throughout the night. We were at a loss, unsure of what to do or where to turn. The government has bestowed upon us great honors. I was honored with the Padma Shri in 2019, as well as the Arjuna and Khel Ratna awards. Receiving these accolades filled me with immense joy. However, today, the sadness weighs heavier on my heart. A woman wrestler has left the sport due to concerns for her safety. I humbly request your intervention in this matter, Prime Minister Ji. The wrestlers of our country deserve a safe and secure environment to pursue their passion. We look up to you for justice and hope that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible for the harassment. Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue.
Yours sincerely, Bajrang
Sports have provided our female athletes with empowerment, transforming their lives. The utmost recognition goes to the pioneering generation of women athletes. Unfortunately, the current circumstances have led these potential ambassadors of the “Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter” campaign to withdraw from their sporting endeavors. As honored wrestlers, we find ourselves helpless in this situation. It is inconceivable for me to continue living as a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award while witnessing the disrespect faced by our women wrestlers. Therefore, I hereby renounce and return this award to you, as expressed by Bajrang.