Goonga Pahalwan Virender Singh Announces Padma Shri Return in Solidarity with Wrestlers

In a bold show of support, wrestler Virender Singh has thrown his weight behind fellow athlete Sakshee Malikkh, who recently announced her decision to exit the sport following the appointment of a close aide of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to the top post. Ms Malikkh and several other athletes have levelled accusations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan.

In a heartfelt post on X, Virender Singh, also known as the ‘Goonga Pahalwan,’ announced his intention to return the Padma Shri, an honour bestowed upon him, as a gesture of solidarity with his “sister and the country’s daughter,” Sakshee Malikkh. Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh expressed pride in Malikkh but also urged other top players, tagging icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Neeraj Chopra, to make their decisions known.

This development follows a similar move by top wrestler Bajrang Punia, who recently declared his decision to return the Padma Shri and sent a letter to Prime Minister Modi. Punia, an Olympic medalist, placed his Padma Shri medallion on a footpath in central Delhi, symbolizing his protest against the alleged lack of respect and unfulfilled promises by the government.

In a statement to the media, Punia emphasized that the protest was not against the government but against an individual, casting doubt on the justice system amidst the unfolding controversy. He expressed his loss of faith in the system and highlighted the importance of supporting women wrestlers who are fighting for due respect.

Joining the chorus of support, Vijender Singh, India’s first Olympic medal-winning boxer, also pledged his solidarity with Sakshee Malikkh. He raised pertinent questions about the accountability of government officials, including the Prime Minister, Vice President, and President, in addressing the concerns raised by athletes. Singh underscored the need for a transparent justice system within the democratic structure.

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The recent appointment of Sanjay Singh the new WFI chief, a longtime associate of Brij Bhushan, has intensified the controversy. Brij Bhushan, a six-time BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh, stepped down following allegations of sexual harassment by top wrestlers, including Sakshee Malikkh. The unfolding events have triggered a broader call for justice and accountability within the Indian sports community.