Vinesh Phogat: From Wrestling Champion to Political Trailblazer

Vinesh Phogat, a renowned Indian Olympic wrestler, has transitioned from sports to politics after being disqualified from the Paris Games. Now a candidate for the Congress party, she is committed to combating sexual harassment and advocating for women's rights in Haryana. Her story resonates in her upcoming state election bid.

Indian Olympic wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Games, but her fight continues as she turns to politics. Contesting in state elections this Saturday, Phogat is committed to her constituency and against sexual harassment of women.

After retiring from wrestling for failing to make weight for the women's 50 kg freestyle final, she spends her days campaigning in Haryana for the main opposition Congress party. Blessed by party elders, she is building on momentum created by protests last year against a politician accused of sexually harassing women athletes. Phogat, 30, aims to bring change in all sectors, especially for women in her constituency.

Her activism began with a protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, then-chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, now charged by a Delhi court with sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. As a celebrated figure in Haryana's Julana constituency, where her family's wrestling success inspired the Bollywood film 'Dangal,' Phogat found new purpose after her Olympic disqualification through community support.

Phogat faces a challenging political career, with Congress historically winning Julana only four times since 1967. However, opinion polls suggest Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party might lose the Haryana election this time, with several local female voters predicting a landslide victory for Phogat.

"If women didn't support women, who would," said a young first-time voter.

(With inputs from agencies.)