 "5 Sports Stars Who Entered Politics Before Retirement")
Many sports stars in India have joined politics, even before they stopped playing their respective games. Here’s a look at five such athletes who stepped into the political arena while still being active in sports.
1. Ravindra Jadeja
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja recently retired from T20 International cricket but continues to play ODIs, Tests, and domestic matches. Jadeja has now officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His wife, Rivaba Jadeja, is already a BJP MLA. Jadeja’s move into politics has created a lot of buzz, with his political journey being watched closely.
2. Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif, one of India’s finest fielders, entered politics during his cricketing career. He contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Phulpur on a Congress ticket. Kaif was still playing domestic cricket during this time. Though he lost the election, his brief stint in politics was notable.
3. Bajrang Punia
Renowned Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia also made headlines by joining the Congress party. Along with him, wrestler Vinesh Phogat also entered politics. However, unlike Vinesh, Bajrang has not retired from wrestling yet and continues to represent India on the international stage.
4. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
Former Indian cricket team captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi also tried his hand at politics. In 1971, he contested the Lok Sabha elections from Gurgaon on a Vishal Haryana Party ticket. While he didn’t win, Pataudi continued to play cricket until 1975, making him one of the few cricketers to enter politics before retiring.
5. Manoj Tiwari
Middle-order batsman Manoj Tiwari joined Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 2021. He won the assembly elections and even secured a ministerial position. Tiwari officially retired from cricket in 2023, making his transition into politics complete.
These athletes not only made their mark in sports but also ventured into politics to serve the country differently.
