Vinesh Phogat, the former wrestling champion, has officially transitioned into the political arena by winning the Haryana Assembly elections on October 8, 2024. Coming from the renowned Phogat family, she has not only dominated wrestling but has also now stepped into a new field, politics. Vinesh’s journey from being one of India’s top wrestlers to becoming a politician has been full of twists and turns, including controversies and setbacks. This story highlights her ability to rise from a personal crisis and turn it into an opportunity to fulfill her political ambitions.
The Wrestling Star’s Political Shift: More Than Just A Protest
Though many may believe that Vinesh’s political journey began with her involvement in the wrestling protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, it is evident that her political ambitions had been brewing long before. The protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where she, along with her brother-in-law Bajrang Punia, led the charge, were seen by some as a calculated move to propel her into the political limelight. Her meeting with political figures like Haryana CM contender Deependra Hooda, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and Priyanka Gandhi during the protest added to the speculation that she was preparing for her political career.
While the wrestling protest brought her to the public eye, her connections and her strategic moves during the event hinted at something much larger. Vinesh’s ability to align herself with influential political personalities from different parties, including Congress and AAP, played a key role in her successful foray into politics.
The Phogat Legacy: A Strong Foundation
Vinesh’s rise in politics was not an isolated incident. Coming from the Phogat family, a household name in India and especially in Haryana, gave her a strong foundation. The family, led by her uncle Mahavir Phogat, defied societal norms and trained their daughters to become successful wrestlers. This not only earned them fame but also immense respect in the wrestling community and beyond. The success of Geeta and Babita Phogat on the wrestling mat was already legendary, and their father Mahavir Phogat was hailed as a visionary for breaking stereotypes and empowering women through sports.
Vinesh, like her cousins, benefited from the family’s reputation and was able to leverage it in her political aspirations. Her cousin Babita Phogat is already a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which further underscores the Phogat family’s deep ties to politics. Vinesh knew how to use this to her advantage, understanding the workings of politics, both on and off the wrestling mat.
Political Ambitions and the Rise of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
While the Phogat family’s prominence in wrestling helped Vinesh, the entry of BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as the President of the Wrestling Federation of India brought a shift in the power dynamics of the sport. For years, Haryana had a dominant position in Indian wrestling, producing many national champions. However, under Singh’s leadership, wrestlers from other regions, especially Uttar Pradesh, began to emerge. This shift of wrestling’s power base away from Haryana became a source of tension, and some believe it contributed to the protests led by Vinesh.
While it is easy to say that athletes should remain non-political, wrestling in India has long been influenced by politics. Vinesh’s political entry may be linked to a larger effort to reclaim Haryana’s influence in the wrestling world. Whether or not this was a factor in her political decisions, her actions show that she has learned how to navigate both wrestling and politics, using her platform to advance her career in more ways than one.
The Role of Bajrang Punia: Sacrifice or Support?
Throughout Vinesh’s journey, her brother-in-law Bajrang Punia has been a constant support. Known for his wrestling achievements, Bajrang stood by Vinesh during the Jantar Mantar protests. Whether it was leading social media campaigns or providing public support, Bajrang was always present. Many thought that Bajrang, too, would enter politics and perhaps even challenge his mentor, Yogeshwar Dutt, in elections. But instead, he has taken a backseat, seemingly content with his role in helping Vinesh.
There is speculation, however, that Bajrang’s career has suffered due to his involvement in the protests and his decision to prioritize Vinesh’s political ambitions over his sporting success. Once hailed as one of India’s best wrestlers, his wrestling career seems to have slowed down in recent times. It remains to be seen whether he will eventually make his political move or return to the wrestling mat with renewed focus.
Vinesh’s Rise Amidst Controversy: A Determined Politician
Vinesh Phogat’s journey from wrestling champion to politician has not been without its controversies. The incident during the Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified due to a weight issue, was a low point in her athletic career. Many fans felt let down by the disqualification, but Vinesh managed to bounce back from that crisis. She turned her setback into a chance to pivot towards a political career, where her name, fame, and influence from the wrestling world helped her win over the voters in Haryana.
Despite her uncle and coach Mahavir Phogat’s disappointment over her Olympic failure, Vinesh pursued her ambitions. Her family’s ties to BJP may have complicated things, especially since she joined the Congress, but her family’s reputation still stood by her. Mahavir, who had expected her to bring home an Olympic gold, perhaps saw Vinesh’s political success as a continuation of the Phogat family’s journey of breaking barriers, this time in a different field.
The Impact of Wrestlers’ Politics
The involvement of athletes like Vinesh Phogat in politics raises interesting questions about the intersection of sports and politics in India. Wrestling, a sport that has long been influenced by regional and national politics, continues to be shaped by the ambitions of its stars. While the sport may suffer due to political distractions, it also shows that Indian wrestlers are not just limited to the akhara (wrestling arena); they have ambitions beyond the mat, in politics and governance.
For Vinesh Phogat, her story is one of determination, resilience, and ambition. From leading the charge in protests to navigating the political landscape, she has proven herself to be much more than just a wrestler. Whether or not she will have the same success in politics as she did in wrestling remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Vinesh is here to stay, both in the political and public spotlight.
