Goonga Pehlwan Takes a Stand: Deaflympics Gold Winner Virender Singh Joins Protest, Returns Padma Shri

In a powerful act of solidarity, Deaflympics gold medallist Virender Singh Yadav, affectionately known as Goonga Pehlwan, has decided to return his Padma Shri award. This move comes in support of top Indian wrestlers' objection to the election of Sanjay Singh as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, a close associate of former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The Indian wrestling community is witnessing a remarkable display of unity as Virender Singh Yadav joins the protest against Sanjay Singh's election, following in the footsteps of Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik. This collective return of prestigious awards raises questions about the governance of the WFI and demands attention from the nation's sports icons.

The Gesture of Solidarity:

Virender Singh, renowned for his achievements in Deaflympics, expressed his solidarity with Sakshi Malik, who retired in protest after Sanjay Singh's victory. In a symbolic act of protest, he announced the return of his Padma Shri, urging other prominent sports figures, including Sachin Tendulkar and Neeraj Chopra, to voice their opinions on the matter.

The Message to Prime Minister Modi:

In a heartfelt message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Virender wrote, "I will also return the Padma Shri for my sister and the country's daughter. Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, I am proud of your daughter and my sister Sakshi Malik." This move emphasizes the emotional and ethical dimensions of the protest.

Call for Opinions from Sports Icons:

Virender Singh called upon iconic sports personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Neeraj Chopra to share their thoughts on the issue. The gesture indicates a broader appeal for support and a collective stand against what the protesting wrestlers perceive as a threat to the integrity of the sport.

Background of the Protest:

The protest stems from Sanjay Singh's election as the president of WFI, a position secured after his panel won 13 of the 15 posts in the recent elections. Wrestlers like Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat raised objections, demanding that no close associate of Brij Bhushan should hold a position in WFI. The wrestlers had previously accused Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy.

Symbolic Return of Awards:

Bajrang Punia had already returned his Padma Shri on Friday, and now Virender Singh's decision further amplifies the gravity of the situation. The wrestlers aim to draw attention to their cause and express discontent with the election results, showcasing their commitment to principles beyond the sport.

The return of Padma Shri awards by notable athletes like Bajrang Punia and Virender Singh Yadav reflects a broader discontent within the Indian wrestling community. The call for opinions from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra suggests a plea for collective action and a reevaluation of the governance structures within the Wrestling Federation of India.