Olympian Vinesh Phogat, husband Somvir Rathee welcome first child

Wrestling couple, Vinesh Phogat and Somvir have been married for seven years.

Former Indian wrestler and current Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat was blessed with a baby boy on July 1 at Apollo Hospital in Delhi. This is the first child for Phogat and her husband, Somvir Rathee. The couple had previously shared the news of their pregnancy on social media, posting on Instagram, “Our love story continues with a new chapter.”

The powerful wrestling couple have seen some tough times recently, but a new-born is a symbol of positivity and good days are ahead for the pairing. Phogat’s elder brother Harvinder Phogat informed the media, ”Vinesh gave birth to a baby boy this morning at a private hospital in Delhi. Both Vinesh and the baby are fine. It’s the biggest joy for the whole family.

“Vinesh will be back home in a couple of days, and we all will visit her after that. The whole of Balali is waiting to welcome Vinesh and her son,” he added.

Kumari Selja, General Secretary of the Congress party and a Member of Parliament, congratulated Phogat, saying “Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Congress MLA Mrs. @Phogat_Vinesh ji from Julana on the birth of her son. I pray to God that the newborn brings joy and auspiciousness to the family and that both of you remain healthy and cheerful [translated from X in Hindi].”

Phogat was previously the centre of media attention during Paris Olympics 2024, when the country woke up to the news of her disqualification for exceeding the weight limit, after reaching the finals of her 50kg freestyle wrestling bout.

From what could have been an assured silver medal, the wrestler had to return without a medal to show for herself, ultimately retiring from the discipline.

Also Read: Top 10 greatest Indian wrestlers of all-time

“I just want to say that missing out on an Olympic medal is the deepest wound of my life. I don’t know how long it would take to heal. But the love I received from my fellow Indians, my village, and my family has given me the strength to start mending it.

“Maybe I will return to wrestling; I’m not sure yet. But the courage I’ve felt today, I want to channel it in the right direction. Our fight is not over—it will continue. I pray to God that in the end, the truth will prevail,” Phogat said while addressing villagers in Balali after returning from the Olympics.

She changed her line from sports to politics, and joined hands with the Congress party. She even won the Julana assembly seat in Haryana, despite BJP winning the state elections, to establish a third term in the state.

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