Olympians Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat to Join Congress; Sakshi Malik Declines Political Offers

Olympians Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat are set to join the Congress party. However, fellow wrestler Sakshi Malik has declined political offers, choosing to focus on advocating for women in wrestling. This development comes ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5.

Olympians Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat are set to be formally inducted into the Congress party, as confirmed by Olympic medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik on Friday. According to Malik, the decision to join the political party was entirely a personal choice for both athletes.

Earlier in the day, Punia and Phogat were seen departing from the residence of Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge. This move precedes the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, with the counting of votes set for October 8. Sakshi Malik emphasized that her own fight is centered on advocating for women in wrestling, hence her decision to remain apolitical.

Malik also stressed that her battle is directed solely against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, dismissing any involvement in political campaigns. Meanwhile, sources suggest that Bajrang Punia will likely be appointed as the co-chairman of the Haryana Congress campaign committee, while Vinesh Phogat is poised to contest in the upcoming elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)