Olympian Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Join Congress Ahead of Haryana Polls

Olympian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress party, with Phogat being fielded from Julana and Punia appointed working president of All India Kisan Congress. Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli emphasized that the BJP does not engage in politics involving sportspersons.

In a significant political development, Olympian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia announced their decision to join the Congress party just weeks before the Haryana assembly elections. Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli responded by asserting that the party respects athletes and avoids politicizing their achievements, emphasizing, 'Players are the pride of our country, we don't do politics on them.'

Bajrang Punia quickly rose to a significant role within the party, being appointed the working president of the All India Kisan Congress, while Vinesh Phogat, now fielded from Julana, reflected on her past battles, particularly the fight against sexual harassment within the wrestling community. 'The fight is continuing, it hasn't ended yet. It's in court. We will win that fight as well,' she stated.

As the Haryana assembly elections loom, with voting scheduled for October 5 and results to be announced on October 8, the Congress released its first list of candidates, included Olympian Vinesh Phogat. The timing of this political move underscores the critical juncture at which these wrestlers have chosen to pivot from sports to politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)