Mahavir Phogat Disapproves of Vinesh Phogat’s Political Move, Urges Focus on Olympics

Wrestling icon Mahavir Singh Phogat has expressed his discontent over his niece, Vinesh Phogat’s recent decision to enter politics. Vinesh, a renowned wrestler, recently joined the Congress Party ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, a move that has not sat well with her wrestling mentor and uncle. Mahavir believes that Vinesh should have focused on participating in one more Olympic Games before transitioning to politics.

Mahavir Phogat, a celebrated figure in Indian wrestling, said, “I am against Vinesh entering politics. She should have prepared for the 2028 Olympics and aimed for the gold medal she has been striving for. She had one more Olympic campaign left in her." He emphasized that athletes should only consider entering politics when their sporting aspirations are fully exhausted.

Vinesh Phogat’s Political Move

Vinesh Phogat, along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, joined the Congress Party last week. Their entry into politics was formalized after a meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. They were welcomed into the party by senior Congress leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Deepak Babaria, in the presence of Haryana Congress chief Uday Bhan and media head Pawan Khera.

Vinesh, who is contesting from the Julana Assembly seat in Haryana, launched her campaign from her husband's ancestral village of Bakta Khera. Speaking after joining the Congress, Vinesh highlighted that the BJP supported Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh during the wrestlers' protests, whereas the Congress stood by the athletes. "I thank the people and the media who supported me throughout my wrestling journey. I also thank the Congress Party for standing by us during tough times," she said, adding that she hopes her new political role will help athletes avoid the hardships she endured.

Family Disagreement Over Politics

Mahavir Phogat’s concerns stem from his belief that Vinesh still had the potential to achieve her Olympic dreams. He stated, “The protest was not politically motivated, and I believe Vinesh could have fought one more Olympic battle. She should have focused on wrestling first, then politics."

Despite the family disagreement, Vinesh is moving forward with her political journey, determined to make a difference both in sports and politics.