Olympian Bajrang Punia staunchly backed the government’s sudden decision to suspend the newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) leadership on Sunday. The government cited concerns about election irregularities and potential influence from the previous regime, led by Brij Bhushan Singh.
“The Ministry has taken the right decision,” said Bajrang Punia.
“Those who misbehave with our sisters and daughters should be eliminated from the Wrestling Federation,” he added.
The ministry’s concerns stemmed from the recent WFI elections that placed Sanjay Singh, a close associate of the controversial former president Brij Bhushan Singh, at the helm. This choice raised eyebrows due to Singh’s alleged ties to the ousted regime and his seemingly hasty decision to host youth nationals without proper adherence to established procedures.
Bajrang Punia to take back his Padmashri
Punia, a vocal critic of the previous WFI administration, welcomed the suspension as a step towards cleaning up the sport. His endorsement carries significant weight, given his stature as a national hero and a champion for good governance in wrestling.
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Olympic medalist Punia went to Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Friday to hand over a protest letter to Prime Minister. However, he was blocked by policemen and thus left his Padma Shri medallion on the footpath. In an interview with AajTak on Sunday, Bajrang Punia expressed his willingness to reclaim the Padma Shri Award. However it was on the condition that the government distances Brij Bhushan and his associates from the wrestling body.
“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?” he added.
‘Look, if all things go towards justice, then this honour has been given to us by the country and the government. If it is given because we have done something good, we will definitely accept it. Who would be a greater patriot than us who sheds so much blood and sweat for our tricolor? “ Bajrang concluded.
Olympic medalist Sakshee Malikkh also spoke out against Sanjay Singh’s election and announced her retirement from the sport . Sakshee stated that she would not reverse her ruling unless the government took action against Brij Bhushan and his associates.
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