The Indian Sports Ministry's recent decision to suspend the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has garnered significant attention, particularly among the nation's wrestling community. Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia has come forward to applaud this move, which came into effect on December 24. The suspension was prompted by concerns that the newly-elected WFI body remained under the influence of former office bearers, in violation of the Sports Code.
The election of Sanjay Singh, a former Uttar Pradesh wrestling chief and associate of ex-WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as the new WFI president, has been a central point of controversy. The Ministry highlighted that Singh’s decisions, including scheduling U15 and U20 nationals in Gonda at short notice, were made hastily and without adhering to the WFI constitution.
Bajrang Punia, a prominent figure in the prolonged protest against Brij Bhushan and the previous WFI regime, expressed his dissatisfaction with Sanjay Singh's election. Earlier in the year, Punia dramatically left his Padma Shri award on the pavement of Kartavya Path in New Delhi as a sign of protest.
In an interview with AajTak on Sunday, Punia stated his willingness to reclaim his Padma Shri, conditional on the government ensuring Brij Bhushan and his associates remain distanced from the wrestling federation.
"The Ministry has taken the right decision," Bajrang said.
"We were accused of being politically charged, they said we are divided by our region. It was portrayed like Haryana vs UP. Sir, we win medals for the country. They were threatening everyone. What, Brij Bhushan is bigger than the government?
"Our stand remains the same. Brij Bhushan and his people should not be part of the WFI. In every state association, he has his people," he added.
He also addressed criticisms from trolls, asserting that those labeling the protesting wrestlers as "traitors" were likely supporters of Brij Bhushan.
"We were awarded by the government because of some good things we did for the country. Definitely, we will do it (take it back). Trolls are calling us 'desh drogi (traitor)'. Why? We have given our blood and sweat to the country. All these trolls are Brij Bhushan Singh's supporters. Who are these trolls to label us?" Bajrang said.
Furthermore, Rio Olympic medalist Sakshee Malikkh has also expressed her discontent with the current state of affairs in Indian wrestling. In a recent emotional press conference in New Delhi, Malikkh announced her retirement from the sport in protest against the election of Sanjay Singh. She firmly stated her decision would remain unchanged unless the government takes decisive action against Brij Bhushan and his aides.
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