New Delhi, September 10, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Former wrestling coach and mentor, Mahavir Singh Phogat, has expressed his disappointment over his niece Vinesh Phogat’s decision to enter politics.
Mahavir, who has been a guiding force in the Phogat family’s wrestling success, revealed that with Vinesh stepping away from the sport, his daughter Sangeeta Phogat will now carry forward the family’s Olympic dreams. He has already begun preparing her for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat Joins Politics
Last Friday, former wrestler Vinesh Phogat, along with Bajrang Punia, a Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist, joined the Congress party. Vinesh is set to make her electoral debut from Julana in the Jind district of Haryana. This move marks a significant shift in her career, as she transitions from sports to politics.
Mahavir’s Focus Shifts to Sangeeta for the 2028 Olympics
Mahavir Phogat shared his thoughts on Vinesh’s decision, stating, “Vinesh should have competed in the LA Olympics, but now that she has moved into politics, we have started preparing Sangeeta for the 2028 Games. She will bring a medal for India.” He further explained that due to the Jantar Mantar protests, Sangeeta missed the national championships. Meanwhile, Babita Phogat, another accomplished wrestler from the family, is unable to return to the mat due to knee issues.
Discontent with Vinesh’s Political Aspirations
The Dronacharya Awardee was candid about his disapproval of Vinesh’s choice to enter politics and contest in the upcoming Haryana elections. He expressed his desire for her to focus on the 2028 Olympics, saying, “I wanted Vinesh to prepare herself for the 2028 Olympics. The decision Vinesh has made to contest the elections is entirely up to her and her husband, Somvir. We had no desire for her to enter politics. I am not happy with her decision to join politics. The entire nation was expecting Vinesh to bring home the gold in 2028, and I was hoping for the same.”
Accusations Against Bhupinder and Deepender Hooda
Mahavir also accused former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda and his son Deepender Hooda of influencing Vinesh’s decision to enter politics. He suggested that they took advantage of Vinesh’s heartbreak after her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, where she missed out on a gold medal in the women’s freestyle 50kg category due to being 100 grams overweight. Following this setback, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling on social media.
Vinesh’s Missed Olympic Opportunity
Reflecting on the situation, Mahavir added, “She entered politics and might become a legislator or even a minister, but if she had won a gold medal in the Olympics, it would be remembered for life.”
