"Waiting For That Congratulatory Call To Happen...": Bajrang Punia Aims At PM Modi After Vinesh Phogat’s Historic Win
In a historic moment for Indian wrestling, Vinesh Phogat secured a spot in the finals of the Women’s Freestyle 50kg category at Paris 2024, becoming the first-ever Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. Following her victory over Cuba’s Lopez Guzman in the semi-finals, Vinesh is now in contention to win India’s first gold in Olympic wrestling and its eighth medal overall.
Reacting to this achievement, fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia expressed his feelings in an interview with The Red Mike.
He said he was waiting to see when the call would be made to congratulate Vinesh Phogat, hinting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I am waiting when the call will be connected, when Vinesh Phogat will become India’s daughter again,” Punia remarked, questioning how the Prime Minister, who remained silent during the wrestlers’ protests at Jantar Mantar, would now gather the courage to congratulate her.
Punia further stressed the integrity of the wrestlers who stood firm during the protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
He stated, “If there was even a little flaw in us, then the government would have put so many people in trouble; we are just small players.”
Punia also lauded Vinesh’s resilience, saying, “Everyone is proud of Vinesh; every home should have such a daughter. Unfortunately, some people said bad things about her.”
Here’s a timeline summarising Vinesh Phogat’s journey since the wrestlers started protesting last year:
January 2023: Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik protest at Jantar Mantar against WFI chief Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexual abuse.
May 2023: Vinesh and fellow wrestlers are detained during a march and threaten to immerse their medals in protest.
August 2023: Vinesh announces she will miss the Asian Games due to a knee injury.
February 2024: Vinesh returns to competition, winning gold at nationals.
August 2024: Vinesh becomes the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, securing India’s fourth medal of the Paris Games.
