In a dramatic evening in New Delhi, Bajrang Punia, en route to return his Padma Shri award to the Prime Minister’s residence, was intercepted by Delhi Police. Frustrated with the appointment of Sanjay Singh, an associate of Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, as the WFI chief, Punia left the award on the footpath in symbolic protest.
Earlier that day, Punia penned a letter to the Prime Minister, detailing the reasons behind his unprecedented decision. Expressing discontent with the administration of the sport he loves, Punia felt compelled to make a strong statement.
Bajrang Punia’s decision to return the Padma Shri should be respected as a principled stance against perceived injustices in sports administration. However, some question the impact of such symbolic gestures on the larger issues within sports governance.
The sports ministry, in response, acknowledged Punia’s personal choice but emphasized the fairness of WFI elections. Despite attempts to persuade him otherwise, Punia’s bold protest continues to raise questions about the state of affairs in Indian sports administration.
