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WFI Chief Backs Padma Vibhushan for India's First Olympic Medallist KD Jadhav

The Bombay High Court has directed the Union government to take a final decision by May 4 on conferring the Padma Vibhushan posthumously on legendary wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav. Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh has publicly backed the move, stating he is ready to write to the concerned authorities. The court's directive came during a PIL hearing filed by a foundation established by Jadhav's son, seeking due recognition for India's first individual Olympic medallist. Jadhav, who won a bronze at the 1952 Helsinki Games, was posthumously awarded the Arjuna Award in 2001.

Key Points: Push for Padma Vibhushan for Wrestler KD Jadhav Gains Momentum

  • Bombay High Court directs Centre to decide by May 4
  • PIL filed by wrestler's son Ranjeet Jadhav's foundation
  • WFI President Sanjay Singh ready to write to authorities
  • KD Jadhav won bronze at 1952 Olympics
2 min read

KD Jadhav should be awarded Padma Vibhushan; I'm ready to write to authorities: WFI chief Sanjay Singh

WFI President Sanjay Singh supports awarding Padma Vibhushan to late wrestler KD Jadhav, as Bombay High Court sets a deadline for the Centre's decision.

"Wrestler KD Jadhav ji should be awarded the Padma Vibhushan. He was our first Olympic medalist. - Sanjay Singh"

Mumbai, April 20

Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh has backed calls for legendary wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav to be posthumously conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, following recent developments in the Bombay High Court regarding the matter.

The Kolhapur bench of the High Court, comprising Justices Madhav Jamdar and Pravin Patil, has directed the Union government to take a final call on the issue by May 4. The directive came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Kusteeveer Khashaba Jadhav Foundation, an organisation established by the late wrestler's son, Ranjeet Jadhav.

The petition has sought fresh consideration from the Ministry of Home Affairs' Padma Awards Cell for awarding the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian honour, to Jadhav in recognition of his historic contribution to Indian sport.

"Wrestler KD Jadhav ji should be awarded the Padma Vibhushan. He was our first Olympic medalist. I am even ready to write to the concerned authorities urging that he be honoured," WFI president Sanjay Singh told IANS.

During the proceedings, the court observed that there is no dispute over Jadhav's status as India's first individual Olympic medallist. It has asked the Centre to arrive at an appropriate decision within the stipulated timeline and fixed May 5 for the next hearing in the case. The bench also noted that the state government should extend prompt cooperation if any formalities are required in the process.

Jadhav, who hailed from Maharashtra, etched his name in history by winning a bronze medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, becoming a trailblazer for Indian wrestling on the global stage. He passed away in 1984 and was honoured posthumously with the Arjuna Award in 2001.

According to the plea, Jadhav's family had made multiple representations over the years seeking due recognition for his achievements. With no response forthcoming, the foundation approached the High Court to seek judicial intervention.

The court also highlighted that the Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian honor, awarded for outstanding and distinguished service. The High Court's move is viewed as backing renewed efforts to officially recognize Jadhav's contributions to Indian sports, with the central government likely to consider the historical importance of his Olympic success.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why does the WFI chief need to be "ready" to write? He should have written that letter the day he took charge. Our sporting heroes, especially the pioneers, should be honoured proactively, not after court cases.
S
Suresh O
As a Maharashtrian, I feel immense pride. Jadhav Saheb brought glory to our state and country from a small village. The government must honour him now without any further delay. Jai Maharashtra! Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Reading this from abroad. It's fascinating how India's first Olympic medalist isn't a household name like some later athletes. Correcting this historical oversight is important for the nation's sporting legacy.
A
Ananya R
Better late than never, but really, why so late? His family had to approach the court. Our systems should be more sensitive. Hope he gets the honour respectfully and promptly by May 4. 🤞
V
Vikram M
This is a no-brainer. The man won an Olympic medal when facilities and support were minimal. His story should be in every school textbook. Padma Vibhushan is the least we can do to honour his sacrifice and achievement.

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