NEW DELHI: Renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat may soon step into the political arena by running in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, sources close to her informed IANS on Tuesday. This revelation comes despite Vinesh previously stating that she had no intentions of entering active politics. However, reports suggest that several political parties are now trying to persuade her to reconsider.
The news follows Vinesh’s disqualification from the women’s freestyle 50 kg event at the Paris Olympics due to a last-minute weight issue, where she fell just 100 grams short during weigh-ins. This setback cost her the opportunity to vie for an Olympic gold medal, adding to her disappointment.
After her return to India, Vinesh received a hero’s welcome in both Delhi and her hometown of Balali, Sonipat. Among those greeting her at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were family members and Congress MP Deepender Hooda. The affection and support from the crowds moved Vinesh to tears.
While it’s still unclear which political party Vinesh might align with, speculation is building. “Political parties are making efforts to convince her,” sources close to the Phogat family shared when asked about the 2024 Olympic finalist’s future plans.
Vinesh’s return to India was emotionally charged. Among those welcoming her were fellow wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia. In a poignant moment, Vinesh and Sakshi, both of whom have endured difficult periods in their careers, embraced and shed tears together at the airport.
Vinesh linked her personal struggles with the broader fight for women’s rights in India, a cause she has championed, particularly during her protests against the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India. While addressing her Olympic setback, Vinesh expressed deep sorrow for missing out on a podium finish but also reaffirmed her resolve: “Our fight has not ended, and it will continue. I pray that truth will prevail.”
Though Vinesh had initially announced her retirement following her Olympic disqualification, she hinted at a potential return to wrestling in a three-page letter posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. She left the door open for a comeback, signaling that her wrestling journey might not be over just yet.
Her appeal to share the silver medal was recently rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), further compounding her Olympic disappointment.
