Wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat has expressed his disappointment over his niece Vinesh Phogat’s decision to enter politics by joining the Congress party. He believes she should have focused on the 2028 Olympics before making such a move, suggesting that her priority should have been securing a gold medal for India.
Vinesh, who was disqualified from the Paris Olympics in 2024 due to being 100 grams overweight, is now transitioning from wrestling to politics. She is set to contest in the Haryana Assembly elections from Julana next month. While Mahavir acknowledges her accomplishments in wrestling, he feels her shift to politics came prematurely.
“She performed admirably in the Paris Olympics but was disqualified in the final. In my opinion, she should participate in the 2028 Olympics. A gold medal was my dream, and though she didn’t achieve it, the Indian people had high hopes for her. They were disappointed. I am saddened by her decision to join politics now; she could have made this move after the 2028 Olympics,” Mahavir Phogat said.
He also noted that there were no prior discussions or plans regarding her entry into politics and suggested that neither Vinesh nor fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, who also joined Congress, initially intended to run for office.
“There was no such planning beforehand. Neither Bajrang nor she had this idea. I don’t know how Congress managed it, but she had no intentions of contesting elections earlier,” he added.
Addressing the issue of his daughter Babita Phogat not receiving a BJP ticket for the upcoming elections, Mahavir stated, “Not everyone gets a ticket. The decision made by the party was done with careful consideration. What the party decides should be accepted.”
Vinesh Phogat recently announced her retirement from wrestling before joining Congress. She expressed her enthusiasm for her new role and the support she has received.
“It feels great; people are excited, and the responsibility given to us by the Congress party is immense. The love and support from the people will help us win, and being seen as a winner in their eyes is the greatest achievement,” Vinesh Phogat said.
The Haryana Assembly elections will take place on October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won 40 seats, while Congress secured 30 seats.
