Wrestlers Protest: In a surprising turn of events, renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat has decided to return her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjun Award, following in the footsteps of fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia. This significant announcement comes amid a wave of controversies and concerns regarding the treatment of female wrestlers in India.A Letter to Prime Minister ModiVinesh Phogat, addressing Prime Minister Modi in a letter shared on social media, expressed her gratitude for the awards but highlighted the unsettling conditions faced by women wrestlers. Drawing attention to the exploitation and derogatory remarks made against them, Phogat emphasised the suffocating environment that she and her colleagues endure.मैं अपना मेजर ध्यानचंद खेल रत्न और अर्जुन अवार्ड वापस कर रही हूँ।इस हालत में पहुँचाने के लिए ताकतवर का बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद 🙏 pic.twitter.com/KlhJzDPu9D— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) December 26, 2023The Disturbing Reality for Women WrestlersPhogat raised concerns about the treatment meted out to women wrestlers, pointing to the retirement of Sakshi Malik and the challenges faced by female athletes in the country. She urged the Prime Minister to spare a few minutes to understand the gravity of the situation, referencing derogatory statements made against women wrestlers and the subsequent forced withdrawals from the sport.Suffocation and Disgust with AwardsExpressing her own internal struggle, Phogat admitted to feeling disgusted with her awards after witnessing Bajrang Punias decision to return his Padma Shri. She conveyed her unease with the current situation, expressing a desire to shed the image of receiving awards when the reality is far from the dreams associated with those accolades.The Right to DignityStressing the right of every woman to live with dignity, Phogat conveyed her fear of how her family perceives the challenges faced by women wrestlers when portrayed in the media. She expressed a longing to break free from the burden of awards that now seem inconsequential compared to the dignity and respect every woman deserves.A Symbolic ProtestVinesh Phogat, a recipient of the Arjun Award in 2016 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020, joins a growing protest within the Indian sports community. Bajrang Punia, reacting to Phogats decision, expressed his dismay, emphasising that no player should have to reach such a point.As controversies continue to surround the treatment of athletes and administrative decisions in Indian sports, Vinesh Phogats symbolic return of awards adds a poignant chapter to the ongoing discourse on the challenges faced by women in sports.
