Mahavir Phogat suggested that she could have delayed this decision until after the 2028 Olympics, emphasizing that her focus should have remained on winning the gold medal.
Mahavir Phogat and Vinesh Phogat
New Delhi: Wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat shared his views on Vinesh Phogat’s transition from wrestling to politics, following her decision to join the Congress party. He voiced concern over the timing, saying that Vinesh could have postponed this move until after the 2028 Olympics, emphasizing that her primary goal should have been securing a gold medal for the country.
Vinesh, who faced disqualification during the 2024 Paris Olympics for exceeding the weight limit by just 100 grams, has now shifted her focus to politics. She is set to contest the Haryana Assembly elections from Julana next month. Although Mahavir acknowledged her accomplishments in wrestling, he stressed that the nation had high hopes for her to bring home a gold medal. Her shift to politics, in his opinion, came prematurely.
“She performed well at the Paris Olympics but was disqualified in the final. Personally, I believe she should compete in the 2028 Olympics. Winning a gold medal has always been my dream. Though she couldn’t achieve it, the people of India showered her with love and had great expectations for her. Her decision to join politics has saddened me. It would have been better if she made this move after the 2028 Olympics,” Mahavir Phogat told a media outlet.
Mahavir Phogat, a Dronacharya award recipient, also revealed that there had been no prior discussions or plans regarding Vinesh’s or fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia’s entry into politics. He suggested that their political involvement seemed unexpected.
“There was no such planning earlier. Neither Bajrang nor Vinesh had expressed any interest in contesting elections. I’m unsure how the Congress convinced them, but they had no intentions of running initially,” he added.
Mahavir also addressed the issue of his daughter Babita Phogat not receiving a BJP ticket for the upcoming elections. He noted that not everyone gets a ticket and that party decisions are made after careful consideration, which should be respected.
Vinesh Phogat recently announced her retirement from wrestling before formally joining the Congress party. Reflecting on her new journey, she said there is nothing more significant than being recognized as a winner by the people.
“It feels good. People are very enthusiastic. The Congress party has entrusted us with responsibility, and the public is showing love and support. I am confident that my people will ensure my victory, and being seen as a winner in their eyes is the greatest honor,” Vinesh Phogat said, as reported by a media outlet.
Haryana’s 90-member assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with the vote count set for October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won 40 seats, while the Congress secured 30.
