New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has taken aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi in response to wrestler Vinesh Phogat's decision to return her Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards. The move is connected to the ongoing controversy involving the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its former chief, BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh.

Vinesh Phogat made headlines on Saturday as she left her awards on the pavement of Kartavya Path in Delhi, expressing her protest against the election of Sanjay Singh, an associate of Brij Bhushan Singh, as the WFI president. The wrestler was stopped by the police on her way to PM Modi's residence.

In a tweet, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of self-respect for every daughter of the country, stating, "Today, did the cost of 'political gains' received from a 'proclaimed Bahubali' become greater than the tears of these brave daughters? The Prime Minister is the guardian of the nation. It is hurt to see such insensitivity on his part."

Vinesh Phogat, in a letter, cited her disappointment over the lack of justice for female wrestlers and announced her decision to return the awards. This move follows prolonged protests by top wrestlers, including Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, against Brij Bhushan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment.

Phogat's decision aligns with similar actions by Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Deaflympics champion Virender Singh Yadav, who returned their Padma Shri awards. Sakshi Malik also quit wrestling in protest of Sanjay Singh's election as WFI president on December 21.

While the Sports Ministry suspended the newly-elected WFI, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad hoc committee to oversee WFI affairs during the suspension.

Rahul Gandhi's involvement in the matter extends to his "impromptu" visit to an 'akhara' in Haryana's Jhajjar district on Wednesday. During the visit, he met with a group of wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, amidst the ongoing controversy.

The WFI issue has drawn attention to the intersection of sports and politics, prompting leaders like Rahul Gandhi to engage with athletes and express concerns over the handling of the situation within the sporting community.

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