Bajrang Punia: News
Freestyle Wrestler from India
24 Oct 2024
International Olympic Committee (IOC)WFI withdraws India from World Championships over government interference
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has withdrawn the Indian team from the upcoming World Championships in Tirana, Albania.
22 Oct 2024
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghBabita instigated protests, wanted to be WFI chief: Sakshi Malik
Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik has accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Babita Phogat of instigating protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
08 Oct 2024
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'Fight of every girl': Vinesh Phogat after winning Julana seat
Vinesh Phogat has called her electoral debut win "the fight of every girl, every woman who chooses the path to fight."
08 Oct 2024
Vinesh PhogatBajrang Punia's first reaction as Vinesh Phogat leads from Julana
Renowned wrestler and recent Congress recruit Bajrang Punia congratulated Vinesh Phogat as trends showed her taking the lead in the Julana assembly seat in Haryana's Jind district.
26 Sep 2024
Congress PartyWrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat receives NADA notice for whereabouts failure
Vinesh Phogat, a former wrestler and now politician, has been issued a notice by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for failing to provide her whereabouts.
09 Sep 2024
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)AAP to contest all 90 seats, says Haryana party chief
An alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress for next month's Haryana election seemed unlikely on Monday afternoon after AAP's state unit chief, Sushil Gupta, announced that his party will contest all 90 seats independently.
07 Sep 2024
Asian GamesBrij Bhushan accuses Vinesh Phogat of 'cheating' to attend Olympics
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, has accused Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat of cheating to participate in the games.
06 Sep 2024
FarmersCongress fields Vinesh Phogat from Julana, Bajrang not on list
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who joined the Congress party on Friday, will contest the upcoming Haryana Assembly election from the Julana seat.
06 Sep 2024
Congress Party'All parties except…': Vinesh Phogat attacks BJP after joining Congress
Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party on Friday, ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections.
06 Sep 2024
HaryanaWrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia join Congress
Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Indian National Congress on Friday, ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections.
04 Sep 2024
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)Wrestlers Vinesh, Bajrang Punia join Congress, to contest Haryana polls
Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress on Wednesday and will contest next month's Haryana Assembly election.
04 Sep 2024
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)Phogat, Punia to enter Haryana poll fray? Wrestlers meet Rahul
A day after Deepak Babaria, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in charge for Haryana, mentioned the possibility of fielding Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia in the upcoming state elections, the wrestlers met with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Delhi.
17 Aug 2024
Vinesh PhogatSakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia welcome Vinesh Phogat at Delhi Airport
Vinesh Phogat, one of India's most celebrated wrestlers, returned home on Saturday following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024.
16 Aug 2024
Delhi High CourtWFI to contest HC order over IOA's ad-hoc committee reinstatement
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has expressed its intention to challenge a recent Delhi High Court order.
14 Aug 2024
HungaryWFI chief blames wrestlers' protests for India's poor Olympics performance
Sanjay Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has attributed India's disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics to the wrestlers' protests against his aide, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
07 Aug 2024
Vinesh Phogat'Will Modi call Vinesh?': Congress reacts to Paris Olympics victory
The Congress took a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning if he would congratulate wrestler Vinesh Phogat following her historic semi-final victory at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday night.
11 Jul 2024
OlympicsOlympics: Decoding India's medal haul in wrestling
Athletes from different corners of the globe will be in action during the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will get underway on July 26.
21 May 2024
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghCourt frames sexual harassment charges; Brij Bhushan pleads not guilty
The Rouse Avenue court on Tuesday officially framed charges against Bharatiya Janata Party MP and former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case filed by female wrestlers.
03 Jan 2024
Sakshee MalikkhSakshee Malikkh accuses Brij Bhushan of threatening her mother
Retired wrestler Sakshee Malikkh, on Wednesday, claimed that goons linked to former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh are threatening her mother.
28 Dec 2023
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)WFI body suspended by government without 'proper procedure': Sanjay Singh
Suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh claimed on Thursday the Union Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry didn't follow "proper procedure" while suspending the wrestling national body.
27 Dec 2023
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)WFI suspension: IOC announces 3-member ad-hoc committee to run affairs
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Wednesday formed an ad-hoc committee to manage the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)'s affairs.
25 Dec 2023
Sakshee MalikkhWFI election: Sakshee Malikkh hints at reconsidering retirement decision
Former wrestler Sakshee Malikkh has hinted at reconsidering her recent retirement decision following the dissolution of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)'s newly-elected governing body on Sunday.
24 Dec 2023
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)Brij Bhushan to athletes: Reactions to Centre suspending WFI body
In an unexpected move, the Union Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry suspended the newly elected governing body of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) led by Sanjay Singh on Sunday.
24 Dec 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghSports Ministry suspends newly-elected Brij Bhushan aide-led WFI body
The Union Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry has reportedly suspended the newly-formed Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) body led by Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
23 Dec 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghWrestlers in Congress lap: Brij Bhushan on WFI election protest
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Saturday claimed the protesting wrestlers were "sitting on the Congress's lap."
22 Dec 2023
Sakshee MalikkhWFI election: Bajrang Punia returns Padma Shri in protest
Wrestler and Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia on Friday said he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and decided to return his Padma Shri award as a sign of protest.
19 Sep 2023
Asian GamesAsian Games 2023: A look at India's wrestling contingent
The 19th Asian Games will run between September 23 and October 8 in Hangzhou, the People's Republic of China.
11 Jun 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghPolice ask wrestlers for pics, video to back allegations: Report
The Delhi Police has reportedly asked the female wrestlers who filed sexual harassment charges against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to produce videos, pictures, or WhatsApp messages to back their claims.
10 Jun 2023
Sakshee MalikkhWrestlers coerced to compromise, minor backtracked under pressure: Sakshee Malikkh
Sakshee Malikkh, one of the top wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, said on Saturday that the "minor" complainant changed her statement against him allegedly under pressure.
10 Jun 2023
Sakshee Malikkh'Wrestlers to participate in Asian Games only when…': Sakshee Malikkh
Ace wrestler Sakshee Malikkh on Saturday said the protesting grapplers wouldn't participate in the upcoming Asian Games until the central government resolves their issues.
10 Jun 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghSaw Brij Bhushan 'inappropriately touch' women wrestlers: International referee
Jagbir Singh, an international wrestling referee, has opened up about Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's "inappropriate behavior" toward women grapplers.
07 Jun 2023
Anurag ThakurProbe to complete by June 15: Government assures protesting wrestlers
Top wrestlers, who have been protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, said on Wednesday that the Centre has assured them of the completion of the police investigation by June 15, reported NDTV.
02 Jun 2023
Vinesh Phogat'Distressed, disturbed': 1983 Cricket World Cup winners over wrestlers' protest
The 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning team issued a joint statement on Friday, urging the wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh not to take any hasty decisions.
01 Jun 2023
Rakesh Tikait'Will meet president to resolve issue': Rakesh Tikait assures wrestlers
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait on Thursday said that a khap representative would meet President Droupadi Murmu and the central government to try to resolve the issue of protesting wrestlers, reported PTI.
30 May 2023
Sakshee MalikkhProtesting wrestlers defer immersing medals in Ganga, give 5-day deadline
Wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Tuesday deferred immersing their medals in the Ganga River, giving the Centre a five-day deadline to take action against him.
29 May 2023
Narendra Modi'Ready to take bullets...': Bajrang Punia on ex-IPS officer's warning
Top wrestler Bajrang Punia has responded to former Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) NC Asthana's veiled warning against wrestlers that cops can shoot the protesting grapplers.
29 May 2023
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)WFI row: Protesting wrestlers booked for 'rioting,' over 800 detained
After being dragged away for trying to march to the new Parliament while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was inaugurating it, India's star wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and others were booked for rioting and other charges on Sunday.
23 May 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh'When, where, how?': WFI's Brij Bhushan on wrestlers' harassment allegations
Addressing a public meeting in Uttar Pradesh's Mau, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Monday taunted the protesting wrestlers, who accused him of sexual harassment, saying they haven't revealed any details to back their allegations.
22 May 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh'Ready for narco test if Punia, Phogat…': WFI's Brij Bhushan
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh announced in a Facebook post on Sunday that he was ready to face a narco or polygraph test, provided the protesting wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat also undergo the same.
21 May 2023
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)Wrestlers' protest: Women's panchayat at new Parliament building announced
With their 15-day ultimatum for Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's arrest over sexual harassment allegations ending on Sunday, the protesting wrestlers have decided on their next move.
05 May 2023
Vinesh Phogat'Please support us': Bajrang Punia's emotional appeal amid wrestlers' protest
Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia on Friday made an emotional appeal publicly to extend support to the wrestlers' protest, which has been going on for 13 days at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
03 May 2023
Vinesh PhogatDays after 'indiscipline' remark, PT Usha meets protesting wrestlers
Athletic legend PT Usha on Wednesday met the protesting wrestlers at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, days after she said the grapplers were "tarnishing India's image."
30 Apr 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghWrestlers v/s WFI chief: Delhi Police offers protection to complainants
The Delhi Police has provided security to seven women wrestlers—who accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment—following the Supreme Court's directions, India Today reported.
29 Apr 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghWrestlers question government inquiry after alleged leak of accuser details
The protest by top Indian wrestlers at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh continued on Saturday, despite the filing of two first information reports (FIRs) over sexual harassment allegations against him.
29 Apr 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghPower, water, food supply suspended at Jantar Mantar: Bajrang Punia
After two first information reports (FIRs) were filed against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by the Delhi Police, Bajrang Punia reportedly claimed electricity was suspended at Delhi's Jantar Mantar where the wrestlers are protesting.
29 Apr 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghI'm innocent, won't resign: Sexual harassment-accused WFI chief after FIRs
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Saturday reportedly said he would not step down from the post, a day after the police filed two first information reports (FIRs) in connection with allegations of sexual harassment against him.
28 Apr 2023
Anurag ThakurSports minister only spent 2-4 minutes with us: Protesting wrestlers
Olympic medalist and renowned wrestler Bajrang Punia on Thursday dismissed Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur's claims that he spent 12 hours with the protesting wrestlers to discuss the matter.
24 Apr 2023
Supreme Court Of IndiaProtesting wrestlers move Supreme Court seeking FIR against WFI chief
Top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, moved the Supreme Court on Monday demanding an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment, reported ANI.
24 Apr 2023
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)Why top Indian wrestlers are protesting against WFI chief
India's star grapplers resumed their tirade against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Sunday, citing the government's inaction over allegations of sexual abuse.
23 Apr 2023
Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghWrestlers complain against WFI chief, no FIR yet; resume protest
Seven women wrestlers lodged a complaint in Delhi against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment, reported The Indian Express on Sunday.
18 Jan 2023
Vinesh PhogatVinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik accuse WFI president of sexual harassment
Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment.
19 Sep 2022
World Wrestling ChampionshipsWorld Wrestling Championships, Bajrang Punia wins bronze: His career achievements
India's Bajrang Punia clinched a bronze medal in the World Wrestling Championships on Sunday.
01 Sep 2022
WrestlingWorld Wrestling Championships: Meet the key Indian contingent
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has named a solid-looking Indian contingent for the 2022 World Wrestling Championships
05 Aug 2022
WrestlingCommonwealth Games: Second successive gold medal for wrestler Bajrang Punia
The Indian wrestling contingent had a superb day on offer at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Friday.
07 Aug 2021
OlympicsTokyo Olympics: Bajrang Punia clinches bronze medal in wrestling
India have secured their sixth medal in the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
06 Aug 2021
Olympics2020 Tokyo Olympics, Day 14: Complete report
India had a disappointing Day 14 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
06 Aug 2021
OlympicsTokyo Olympics: Bajrang Punia loses semi-final bout in 65kg category
Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has lost the men's freestyle 65kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after being beaten by Haji Aliyev of Azerbaijan in the semis.
06 Aug 2021
WrestlingTokyo Olympics: Wrestler Bajrang Punia moves to semifinal
Bajrang Punia put his tactical acumen and strength to good use in the second period to pin Iran's Morteza Cheka Ghiasi for a semifinal berth in men's free-style 65kg event which took him closer to an Olympic medal on debut, in Tokyo on Friday.
02 Aug 2021
TokyoMedal hopes high as Indian wrestlers begin campaign on Tuesday
Their remarkable performances in the build-up to the Tokyo Games creating high hopes of multiple medals at the Olympics, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat will have the spotlight on them when India's seven wrestlers, beginning with Sonam Malik, open their campaigns in Tokyo from Tuesday.
27 Mar 2020
Sachin Tendulkar#CoronavirusOutbreak: Sachin Tendulkar, others come forward to donate money
Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar joined the list of Indian athletes to come forward and donate money in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
21 Sep 2019
IndiaWrestler Deepak Punia fourth Indian to seal Tokyo Olympics berth
India are aiming to end the ongoing World Wrestling Championships on a high after Deepak Punia secured an Olympics quota for the 2020 Tokyo event.
20 Sep 2019
WrestlingWorld Wrestling Championships: Sushil Kumar loses opening round bout
Veteran wrestler Sushil Kumar lost in the opening round of the ongoing World Wrestling Championships on Friday.
19 Sep 2019
IndiaWrestlers Bajrang Punia, Ravi Kumar Dahiya seal Tokyo Olympic berths
India had another strong day at the ongoing World Wrestling Championships.
16 Aug 2019
WrestlingBajrang Punia nominated for India's highest sporting honor
Famed Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has been nominated for India's highest sporting honor - the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award on Friday.
11 Aug 2019
WrestlingTbilisi Grand Prix: Wrestler Bajrang Punia claims gold medal
Indian star wrestler Bajrang Punia's superb form has continued.
02 Mar 2019
WrestlingUWW ranking series: Pooja wins gold, Sakshi gets silver
Indian wrestlers put in a commendable shift as they won four medals at the Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov tournament in Ruse, Bulgaria.
30 Nov 2018
WrestlingWrestlers Bajrang, Vinesh and Pooja awarded Grade A contracts
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has rolled out a grade-based contract system for wrestlers.
21 Sep 2018
Virat KohliKohli with 'zero' points gets Khel Ratna, but Punia rejected
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and world champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu were nominated for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna by the Sports Ministry.
29 Aug 2018
WrestlingBajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat in contention for Khel Ratna award
Asian Games 2018 gold medalists Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat are in the race for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.
19 Aug 2018
IndiaAsian Games: Ace wrestler Sushil Kumar suffers a shocking exit
India's two-time Olympics medalist, Sushil Kumar, suffered a shocking first round defeat at the Asian Games 2018, being held in Indonesia.
09 Aug 2018
HaryanaSakshi Malik opens up about her below-par performance in CWG
Under the scanner for her below-par performance in the run-up to the Asian Games, Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik is feeling the heat but insists that athletes never stop aiming for medals.
05 Jul 2018
WrestlingWrestler Sushil Kumar scripts an unimpressive tale
One doesn't even see wrestler Sushil Kumar settling for silver medal but this time around, he was knocked out of the first bout itself.
15 Apr 2018
IndiaCommonwealth Games: Railway athletes win 10 out of 26 golds
Indian Railways today said that it was a matter of pride that 40% of the gold medals for India, 10 out of 26, in the recently concluded Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, were won by Railway athletes.
14 Apr 2018
IndiaCWG-2018: Wrestlers Vinesh, Sumit claim gold; Sakshi bags bronze
There was no stopping the gold rush in wrestling as two more were added to the tally by Vinesh Phogat (50kg) and Sumit (125kg) at the Commonwealth Games today.
13 Apr 2018
India21st CWG: Wrestlers seal four medals as Bajrang bags gold
India's Bajrang Punia bagged the top prize in men's freestyle 65kg event to give the nation its 17th gold medal at the ongoing 21st Commonwealth Games.
