Now, Vinesh returns Khel Ratna

Two-time Worlds medallist announces decision even after the government suspends the wrestling federation

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Wrestling row rages Vinesh Phogat is the fourth top wrestler to protest the recent Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election that was dominated by Brij Bhushan-backed panel

Double World Championships bronze medallist and two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat announced on Tuesday that she is returning her Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards.

The 29-year-old addressed a note to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media to make her decision public. Phogat's announcement comes four days after Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri. On December 21, Rio Games bronze medallist Sakshi Malik had announced her retirement hours after the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh-backed Sanjay Singh's panel dominated the polls.

To be sure, the sports ministry on Sunday suspended WFI citing "blatant disregard for legal and procedural norms" and multiple violations of the federation constitution as well as the National Sports Code.

The sports ministry instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to set up an ad-hoc committee to run the federation. IOA, whose ad hoc panel had run the body until the polls, is yet to name the committee.

So, while it can be argued that the decisions by Malik and Punia prompted action from the ministry, it was unclear what Phogat act is meant to achieve apart from showing solidarity with her fellow wrestlers.