The wrestling world has been stirred since the results of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections. Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan, emerged victorious in the WFI elections. Following the election outcome, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia had declared their intent to continue the battle against Brij Bhushan.
During a press conference, Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from wrestling amidst tears. Since then, Indian wrestlers and Brij Bhushan have been at the center of discussions. Bajrang Punia, opposing the WFI election results, announced his decision to return the Padma Shri award. He wrote a three-page letter to the Prime Minister, stating his intention to return the honor.Posting on his social media, Bajrang wrote, “I am returning my Padma Shri award to the Prime Minister.
This letter is my only statement.” The wrestling fraternity’s upheaval revolves around dissatisfaction with the WFI election outcome, with prominent wrestlers like Bajrang Punia taking a symbolic step in protest. The internal discord within the WFI has drawn attention to the rift between wrestlers and the leadership, intensifying debates within the Indian wrestling community. Brij Bhushan’s camp, now spearheaded by Sanjay Singh, faces significant dissent from athletes dissatisfied with the election results, raising concerns about the future trajectory of Indian wrestling.
