Vinesh Phogat to enter politics; may challenge cousin Babita in Haryana Assembly election 2024: Reports

Published at :August 20, 2024 at 4:26 PM

Modified at :August 20, 2024 at 4:26 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Vinesh Phogat had in the past stated that she would not enter active politics.

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat may trade the mat for the political arena, sources close to the athlete revealed on Tuesday. This potential move comes in the wake of her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics gold medal match.

Phogat, who had previously distanced herself from politics, is now reportedly being courted by several political parties. “Some political parties are trying hard to convince her,” a source close to the Phogat family told IANS.

The source hinted at possible high-profile matchups in the Haryana Assembly, stating, “It’s likely that in Haryana assembly you see Vinesh Phogat vs Babita Phogat and Bajrang Punia vs Yogeshwar Dutt.” However, Phogat’s party affiliation remains unconfirmed.

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This development follows Phogat’s heartbreak at Paris Olympics. The wrestler was disqualified from the women’s freestyle 50kg category final for being 100 grams overweight at the weigh-in. Her subsequent appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a joint silver medal was dismissed.

Despite the setback, Phogat received a hero’s welcome upon her return to India. Fans, family, and fellow athletes greeted her at the airport, their support moving the wrestler to tears. Congress MP Deepender Hooda was also among those who welcomed her home.

In an emotional moment, Phogat embraced retired wrestler Sakshi Malik, both overcome by the weight of their shared struggles. “Our fight has not ended and the fight will continue,” Phogat declared, hinting at unresolved issues within Indian wrestling.

pic.twitter.com/8iu2vs21Wq
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 16, 2024

Prior to her return, Phogat had expressed her grief over missing the Olympic podium in a heartfelt letter posted on social media. She linked her personal disappointment to the broader fight for women’s rights in India, a cause she has championed through protests against the former wrestling federation chief.

While Phogat had initially suggested retirement following her Olympic disqualification, her recent statement leaves the door open for a potential return to the sport.

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