Deaflympics medal winner Virender Singh, popularly known as Goonga Pehalwan, has announced to return his Padma Shri award on the lines of wrestler Bajrang Punia after wrestler Sakshi Malik quit wrestling following the result of the elections of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president. Sanjay Singh, a close confidant of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh, was elected the president of the body as he secured a resounding victory with his panel winning 13 of the 15 posts, triggering outrage among protesting wrestlers.
Reacting to the outcome, teary-eyed Sakshi Malik hung up her wrestling boots and announced retirement. Now, Singh took to X and tagged PM Narendra Modi stating that he would also return his award. He said he is proud of Sakshi Malik and urged other players to come forward with their decision on the matter and tagged Sachin Tendulkar and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra.
"I will also return the Padma Shri for my sister and the daughter of the country, Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Sir, I am proud of your daughter and my sister. @SakshiMalik But... why...? But I would also request the top players of the country to also give their decision... @sachin_rt @Neeraj_chopra1," the post on X read.
Earlier, wrestler Bajrang Punia on Friday announced his decision to return his Padma Shri award, a day after Sakshi Malik declared her retirement in protest against the election of Sanjay Singh as the WFI President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bajrang Punia expressed his concerns about the current state of wrestling governance in India. He highlighted the sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh in January, which led to a prolonged protest by female wrestlers and Punia himself. Despite assurances, as the wrestlers were not satisfied with the process adopted, they resumed their protest in April.
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