Haryana Honors Vinesh Phogat with Olympic-Equivalent Benefits

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini announced wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat will receive benefits equivalent to an Olympic silver medallist under state sports policy. Despite disqualification from Paris Olympics, the Cabinet decided to treat Phogat's case as an exception, fulfilling a previous promise made by Saini.

In a landmark decision, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini declared on Tuesday that the state will award wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat benefits akin to those given to Olympic silver medallists, as per state sports policy. This comes after Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being overweight, yet Chief Minister Saini emphasized his commitment to honoring one of Haryana's most celebrated daughters.

The announcement was made following the Haryana Cabinet's decision, which mirrors the benefits of an Olympic silver medallist: a cash prize of Rs 4 crore, an Outstanding Sportsperson (OSP) job under Group 'A', and a plot from HSVP. As Phogat serves as an MLA from Julana in Jind district, she will be allowed to choose which benefits to receive. The decision addresses promises made in the Vidhan Sabha, reaffirming the state's commitment to its athletes.

Amid the political discourse, Saini also discussed wider concerns, noting that farmers in Punjab are increasingly disillusioned with both Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, gravitating towards the BJP. As the wheat procurement season looms, Saini assured comprehensive preparations to support local farmers, fortifying both Haryana's agricultural and political landscapes.

(With inputs from agencies.)