Title: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Returns Awards In Protest Against Wrestling Federation of India
Word Count: 358
In a bold move, wrestler Vinesh Phogat has returned her prestigious Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards amidst the ongoing crisis between wrestlers and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Phogat left her awards on Kartavya Path pavement in New Delhi after being stopped by the police from reaching the Prime Minister’s office.
The decision to return the awards was made in protest against the lack of justice and fair treatment for wrestlers. Phogat, along with Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, has been leading a movement against the election of Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had been accused of sexual harassment.
Their concerns were validated when the Sports Ministry suspended the newly-elected WFI panel for not following the provisions of its own constitution. Additionally, the ministry asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc panel to manage the sports body. This move came after persistent protests by Phogat and her fellow athletes.
Phogat has been vocal in her criticism of the government’s lack of action and has called for real empowerment and upliftment of women in Indian sports. She has urged for tangible measures to be taken for the athletes’ well-being, rather than just “fancy government advertisements.”
Taking immediate action, the IOA has constituted a three-member ad hoc committee to handle the day-to-day affairs of the WFI. This committee will aim to ensure that the concerns and demands of the wrestlers are addressed promptly and justice prevails within the federation.
The wrestling community, along with Phogat and her fellow athletes, hopes that this crisis will bring about systemic reforms within the WFI. They aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for all wrestlers, with equal opportunities and fair treatment being at the core of their demands.
As the crisis unfolds, all eyes are on the ad hoc committee to see how it will handle the situation. The News Teller will continue to closely monitor the developments in this unfolding story, providing updates and insights into the progress towards a solution that benefits the athletes and the sport as a whole.
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