Vinesh Phogat Returns Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards - A Bold Stand or Reckless Disrespect?

Vinesh Phogat Returns Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat returned her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards. She left the awards on the pavement of Kartavya Path in New Delhi after Delhi Police stopped her from reaching the Prime Minister's Office.

Phogat is a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and a three-time World Championship medalist. She is considered one of India's greatest wrestlers.

In a strongly-worded open letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Phogat said that she was returning the awards because she was "disgusted" with the treatment of wrestlers by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Phogat accused the WFI of corruption, nepotism, and discrimination against women wrestlers. She also said that the WFI had failed to provide adequate support to wrestlers, leading to injuries and other problems.

Phogat's decision to return her awards has sparked a debate in India. Some people have supported her decision, saying that she is right to stand up for what she believes in. Others have criticized her decision, saying that it is a sign of disrespect for the country.

The WFI has responded to Phogat's allegations, saying that they are "baseless" and "motivated by personal vendetta."

It remains to be seen what impact Phogat's decision will have. However, it is clear that she is not the only wrestler who is unhappy with the WFI. Several other wrestlers have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the federation.

It is possible that Phogat's decision will lead to a change in the way that the WFI is run. It is also possible that it will simply lead to further acrimony between the wrestlers and the federation.

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