Mahavir Phogat Saddened by Vinesh Phogat's Political Move

Dronacharya awardee Mahavir Singh Phogat expressed disappointment over Olympian Vinesh Phogat joining politics. He feels she should've focused on the 2028 Olympics. Vinesh, contesting from Julana, retired after the Paris Olympics. The Haryana Assembly elections will be held on October 5 with results announced on October 8.

Dronacharya awardee and renowned wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat expressed his disappointment over the decision of Olympian Vinesh Phogat to enter politics. Speaking to ANI, he said she could have considered this career move after the 2028 Olympics. Phogat believes Vinesh performed admirably at the Paris Olympics but was disqualified in the final. He added that he had dreamt of her winning a gold medal, a sentiment shared by many Indians, who were disheartened by the outcome. Despite his personal views, Mahavir acknowledged the immense love Vinesh has received from the public and accepted her decision to join politics.

Continuing on the subject, Mahavir remarked that Vinesh Phogat had no prior intentions of joining politics or contesting elections. 'There was no such planning earlier. Neither Vinesh nor Bajrang had this idea. I don't know how Congress managed it, but she had no intentions before,' he added.

On the issue of Babita Phogat not receiving a BJP ticket, Mahavir stated that the party's decision was made thoughtfully. 'Not everyone gets a ticket. The decision has been taken with due deliberations,' he said, emphasizing that party decisions should be respected.

The announcement of Vinesh Phogat joining Congress came on September 6, along with Olympian Bajrang Punia. Vinesh expressed confidence in winning the Julana seat and said, 'The Congress party has bestowed upon us this responsibility, and the support and love from the people are overwhelming. Being a winner in their eyes is the greatest achievement.'

Vinesh Phogat retired from wrestling shortly after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being overweight in her 50-kg category weigh-in. The 90-member Haryana legislative assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with the last date for filing nominations on September 12. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. In the 2019 assembly polls, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 40 seats, while Congress secured 30 seats.

(With inputs from agencies.)