Amidst the storm engulfing Indian wrestling, Deaflympics gold medalist Virender Singh Yadav, popularly known as Goonga Pehlwan, reiterated his resolute decision to return the prestigious Padma Shri award. This defiant move comes a day after his initial announcement, solidifying his unwavering support for fellow wrestlers demanding reform within the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).मैं भारत सरकार के फ़ैसलें का सम्मान करता हूँ लेकिन पद्म श्री सीने पर तभीं लगाऊँगा, जब तक हमारे देश की गौरव बहन @SakshiMalik ओर देश की महिला कुश्ती पहलवानो को पूरा सम्मान नहीं मिलेगा…आगे बढ़ो बहनों, हम तुम्हारे पीछे खड़े है! #जयहिंद 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Z22rSZE1Xa— Virender Singh (@GoongaPahalwan) December 24, 2023Taking to a microblogging platform X, Singh reaffirmed his stance with a heartfelt message, I respect the decisions of the Government of India but I will wear the Padma Shri on my chest only until our countrys pride sister @SakshiMalik and the countrys women wrestling wrestlers do not get full respect… Go ahead sisters, we stand behind you.The statement reflects on Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia, who ignited the protest last week by returning his Padma Shri in response to the questionable election of Brij Bhushan Sharans close aide, Sanjay Singh, as the new WFI president.Singhs victory, secured with a landslide of 40 out of 47 votes, sparked outrage among athletes like Punia and Malik, who have long been vocal about alleged mismanagement and misconduct within the WFI leadership. These concerns gained public traction when star wrestler Vinesh Phogat bravely shared her harrowing experiences of sexual harassment within the federation.In a poignant letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punia expressed his disillusionment with the governments inaction despite promises of strong action. He declared the return of his Padma Shri as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the wronged athletes and a protest against the WFIs failure to prioritize transparency and integrity.Sports ministry suspends newly elected WFIHowever, after the wrestlers protested against the appointment, on Sunday, the Centre suspended the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) until further notice amidst ongoing controversies revolving around the sporting body. This comes after BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singhs loyalist Sanjay Kumar Singh was elected WFI President last week.
