Wrestler and Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia on Sunday reiterated his decision not to reclaim the Padma Shri award he had returned amidst the protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election controversy. He said that it would only happen once he perceives that justice is served.Speaking to media persons, I will not take back Padma Shri. I will think about it only after justice is delivered.हमें सिर्फ़ भगवान पर भरोसा हैमैंने अपना पद्मश्री सम्मान बहन-बेटियों के लिए वापस किया था, उनके सम्मान के लिए वापस किया था और जब तक उन्हें न्याय नहीं मिल जाता तब तक मुझे कोई सम्मान नहीं चाहिए.जय हिंद”— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) December 24, 2023Furthermore, he posted on his official X account, We trust only in God. I returned my Padma Shri award for my sisters and daughters, I returned it for their honor and I do not want any honor until they get justice. Jai Hind.Sakshee Malikkh retiresA day after wrestler Sakshee Malikkhs decision to retire in protest to Sanjay Singhs election as the Wrestling Federation of India chief, Bajrang Punia penned a letter to PM Modi, announcing his decision to return the Padma Shri award. I am returning my Padmashree award to the Prime Minister. This is just my letter to announce that. This is my statement. Bajrang Punia tweeted, earlier.मैं अपना पद्मश्री पुरस्कार प्रधानमंत्री जी को वापस लौटा रहा हूँ. कहने के लिए बस मेरा यह पत्र है. यही मेरी स्टेटमेंट है। 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/PYfA9KhUg9— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) December 22, 2023Following his social media announcement, Bajrang Punia placed his Padma Shri award on the footpath outside the Prime Ministers residence. When did the wrestlers protest startEarlier on Thursday, Olympic medalist Sakshee Malikkh declared her retirement from wrestling. This decision came after the election of Sanjay Singh, an ally of Brij Bhushan, as the federations president. The former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is accused of sexual harassment. Sakshee Malikkh, visibly upset and overwhelmed, tearfully concluded a press conference in the national capital and emotionally announced her retirement from wrestling as she put her shoes on the table.In January, a group of top wrestlers started the protest in Delhi, urging the ousting of the former WFI head, Brij Bhushan, citing allegations of sexual harassment involving female wrestlers. The BJP MP resigned from his position and is currently undergoing legal proceedings regarding these accusations.Sports ministry suspends WFIThe Sports Ministry of India suspended the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) after the announcement by the newly elected body to arrange the U-15 and U-20 nationals without allowing wrestlers sufficient preparation time.
