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Published 17:54 IST, August 17th 2024

Did Bajrang Punia Disrespect The Indian Flag? The Wrestler Stepped On a 'Tiranga' Inscribed Poster

Bajrang Punia, who came to receive Vinesh Phogat on her return to India, has come under fire for allegedly disrespecting the Indian Flag.

Did Bajrang Punia disrespect the Indian Flag? | Image: screengrab

The Olympic Bronze medalist from Tokyo 2020, Bajrang Punia, was one of the individuals who turned up to receive Vinesh Phogat on her return to India after enduring an unfortunate conclusion at the Paris Olympics. Phogat had reached the final of the 50kg Freestyle Wrestling, but due to being assessed overweight on the day of her Gold medal match, she got disqualified and had to return medal-less. Vinesh took her case to CAS but the judicial body did not rule in favour of the Indian wrestler. Phogat received a rousing reception upon returning to India.

Also Read | Internet Reacts as Vinesh Phogat Touches Down in India After Olympics

Bajrang Punia under fire for purportedly disrespecting the Indian Flag

On Saturday, a roadshow of sorts took place, where Vinesh Phogat waved at the fans and showcased gratitude to them for supporting her incessantly in the tough phase that transpired during the Olympics. Tokyo and Rio Olympics medalists, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik accompanied her on her journey.

Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik addressed the crowd through the sunroof of the car and Bajrang Punia was standing on the bonnet of the car. The car was surrounded by media persons from all around, Punia was spotted requesting them to move aside and gave the car the space to move. However, as Bajrang was urging the individuals to free-up some space for the commute to move, it was caught on camera that he was standing on a poster, which had the Tricolor inscribed in two places.

The clip is making waves on social media, where several users have come in unison to allege Punia of disrespecting the Indian National Flag.

What do you think, did Bajrang Punia disrespect the flag or did the situation lead him there?

Updated 17:54 IST, August 17th 2024

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