Vinesh Phogat Joins Congress, Eyes Haryana Assembly Seat

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who has recently made headlines for her political shift, joined the Congress party on Friday. Sources indicate that Phogat is expected to contest the Haryana Assembly elections from the Julana constituency.

Phogat’s transition into politics has been closely watched since her meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The speculation surrounding her political future has centred on her potential candidacy in either Charkhi Dadri or Julana. The decision to field her from Julana appears to be the latest development in her evolving political career.

During her induction into the Congress party, Phogat was accompanied by fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia. However, sources have confirmed that Punia will not be running for a legislative seat in the upcoming elections.

Phogat expressed strong sentiments about her new political alignment, praising Congress for its stance on supporting women. She highlighted her intention to improve conditions for sportspersons, reflecting her personal experiences and the challenges faced by athletes.

Phogat also criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its handling of wrestlers during their protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She condemned the treatment she and other wrestlers received, noting that while the BJP was unsupportive, other parties showed understanding and solidarity.

The political move comes at a turbulent time for Phogat, who faced a setback in her wrestling career. She was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 after being found overweight by 100 grams in her 50-kg category weigh-in. This disqualification led her to announce her retirement from competitive wrestling, adding a layer of personal and professional transition to her political debut.

Phogat and Punia were prominent figures in the protests against Singh in 2023, which centered on allegations of sexual harassment. Their involvement in these protests has played a significant role in shaping their public profiles and political aspirations.

As Vinesh Phogat embarks on this new chapter in her career, her candidacy in the Haryana Assembly elections will be closely scrutinized. Her shift from sports to politics highlights the intersection of activism and political engagement, as well as the growing influence of athletes in the political sphere.