After returning their national awards in protest, star wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia remain unaware of the whereabouts of their medals.
In December 2023, both athletes sensationally left their prestigious awards – Phogat with her Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, and Bajrang Punia with his Padma Shri – on the streets of Delhi as a mark of protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Picked up by Delhi Police, the awards were safely stored as per protocol. However, over a month later, neither wrestler has been contacted or informed about their medals’ current location.
“I have returned my awards. Now they are the property of the government and don’t belong to me,” Vinesh Phogat told The Indian Express, expressing her lack of knowledge about the medals’ status. “Regarding what they are doing with the awards, I haven’t got any intimation or call from anyone, including Delhi police.”
Bajrang Punia echoed the sentiment, stating, “It is not our property, it’s theirs because we took it from the government and then gave it back to the government. Now, if they (Delhi Police) are handing it back to the government or not, I have no idea. Only they know and the government should know.”
Delhi Police to return awards?
While Delhi Police officials claim to have securely stored the awards, their stance on returning them to the wrestlers remains unclear.
“We are aware that these awards belong to them (the sportspersons), so we are not looking for the owner,” said an official. “But, we are waiting for them to get back their awards. We are discussing with the seniors about sending an intimation in the coming days.”
Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia latest updates
Vinesh Phogat, the reigning Asian Games champion, reigned supreme once again, securing the gold medal in the 55kg category at the Senior National Wrestling Championships held on Sunday.
The championships were organized by the ad-hoc committee formed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Phogat displayed her veteran prowess, dominating her opponent, Jyoti from Madhya Pradesh, with a convincing 4-0 score.
Meanwhile, Bajrang Punia is currently training in Russia, as he prepare for upcoming international competitions.
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