'No significance in holding any honour in a nation that fails to respect women: Bajrang Punia

New Delhi, December 23: Wrestler Bajrang Punia on Friday made an attempt to return his Padma Shri award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arriving at Kartavya Path around 5:30 pm. However, he was denied a meeting with the Prime Minister due to the lack of a prior appointment. Consequently, he left the prestigious award on the stairs of South Block, urging police personnel present there to deliver it to PM Modi.

Expressing his disappointment, wrestler Bajrang Punia said, "They didn't permit me to proceed, so I left the Padma Shri on the stairs of South Block and requested the police to send it to PM Modi." He said, "There will be no further protest from our end. The battle will continue in the courts. For now, this is our decision. We won't engage in any more protests."

Bajrang Punia's decision to return the award was prompted by recent developments, including the selection of Sanjay Singh, an aide of BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as the new president of the wrestling body. Brij Bhushan had stepped down amidst allegations of sexual harassment by several female wrestlers.

Explaining his stance on returning the award, Bajrang Punia said, "There's no significance in holding any 'samman' (honour) in a nation that fails to respect its women."

Regarding the possibility of other wrestlers following suit, Punia remarked, "I'm unaware if Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik will return their awards. That's their individual decision."

Reports suggest that the Padma Shri is currently in the possession of the New Delhi police. 

Earlier, Punia, along with wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, had planned to immerse their medals in the Ganga in Haridwar as a form of protest. However, this plan was discouraged by senior Jat leaders and coaches.

Despite their initial intent, the Olympic medals have been returned to the wrestlers, confirmed Punia. The protest concluded after discussions with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, leading to a resolution. Recently, Malik also announced her retirement from wrestling subsequent to Sanjay Singh's election as the new wrestling body president.

— With inputs from agencies

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