Sports Minister Thakur declines to get involved in the Punia dispute

<p>Sports Minister Anurag Thakur declined to comment on the raging dispute on Saturday over wrestler Bajrang Punia surrendering his Padma Shri in opposition to Sanjay Singh—a supporter of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh—becoming the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president.</p>
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<p>Olympian Punia went to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi to deliver a complaint letter, but police were blocking the Padma Shri medallion on a pavement.</p>
<p>“I’ve spoken enough already. “I will not be making any more comments,” Thakur said outside the SAI center during an event honoring notable athletes and gold winners from the Asian Games.</p>
<p>At SAI, Thakur also erected a synthetic athletic track and new dorms.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, Thakur urged previous winners to step up and support the aspiring athletes in order to help them establish themselves in international tournaments.</p>
<p>“Our competitors placed first in both the Asian Para Games and the Asian Games (held in Hangzhou) with over 100 medals. These tales must be spoken, according to Thakur.</p>
<p>“Before they departed (for Asian Games) I had asked them whether they would be able to breach the 100-medal mark and they expressed collective confidence, and they did it too.”</p>
<p>The Minister then requested assistance from the previous winners in order to maintain their success in future contests.</p>
<p>“We have triumphed in a number of significant competitions. In addition to winning the first Thomas Cup, we had a great year in hockey, athletics, and other activities.</p>
<p>In order to improve this endeavor going forward, the champions now need to make sure that they impart their knowledge and expertise to the up-and-coming competitors.”</p>