Vinesh Phogat, the renowned Indian wrestler, has embarked on a new journey in politics following her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 30-year-old athlete, who retired from wrestling after failing to make weight for the women's 50 kg freestyle final, is now contesting in the Haryana state elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
Phogat, born on August 25, 1994, has transitioned from the wrestling mat to the political arena, campaigning for the Indian National Congress party in her native state of Haryana. The former Olympian is focusing her efforts on advocating for women's rights and combating sexual harassment across various sectors.
"I'm here to bring change in all sectors and take care of everyone equally, especially the women in my constituency. It's crucial that the struggle we started against sexual harassment two years ago meets a beautiful and fulfilling ending. Harassment happens in all sectors, some cases come into public light and some do not."
Phogat's political aspirations are rooted in her experiences as an athlete and her involvement in the wrestlers' protest movement. In 2022, she, along with other prominent wrestlers including Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik, led a months-long demonstration against the then-chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Their efforts culminated in a Delhi court charging Singh with sexual harassment and criminal intimidation in 2024, although he has denied any wrongdoing.
The transition from sports to politics has not been without challenges for Phogat. After her Olympic disqualification, she experienced a period of emotional turmoil. However, the support of her community helped her find a new purpose in public service.
Phogat's family of wrestlers, who inspired the 2016 Bollywood blockbuster "Dangal," has a storied legacy in Indian sports. She herself has won gold medals at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and became the first Indian woman wrestler to secure gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
As Phogat campaigns in the Julana constituency of Haryana, she faces an uphill battle. The Congress party has won this seat only four times since 1967. However, recent opinion polls suggest that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, may face challenges in the upcoming Haryana election.
Despite the electoral uncertainties, Phogat has garnered significant support, particularly among women voters. Many see her candidacy as a symbol of women supporting women in politics and sports. The results of the election, expected on October 8, 2024, will determine the success of Phogat's transition from wrestling champion to political representative.
As India continues to grapple with issues of gender equality and sexual harassment, highlighted by the #MeToo movement that gained momentum in 2018, Phogat's political journey represents a broader shift in the country's social and political landscape. Her campaign serves as a bridge between the world of sports, where India has won 35 Olympic medals as of 2024, and the realm of politics, where athletes are increasingly finding their voice on social issues.