Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:11pm on 26 Dec 2023,Tuesday India
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has joined Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik in returning national awards Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award. In an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Phogat expressed concern over the treatment of women wrestlers. The move follows protests against former Wrestling Federation chief Brij Bhushan, accused of sexual harassment. Phogat stated she doesn't want awards to be a "burden on the path of living with dignity." The rapid succession of athletes returning awards coincides with a panel close to Bhushan winning elections, prompting concerns about leadership continuity. The panel has been suspended by the sports ministry.
