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The recent decision of renowned Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat to join politics and contest the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections has sparked debate and criticism, particularly from her uncle, Mahavir Phogat, the renowned wrestling coach. In an interview with India Today, Mahavir expressed his strong disapproval of Vinesh's foray into politics, arguing that she should have prioritized her athletic career, particularly aiming for a gold medal at the 2028 Olympics.
Mahavir, known for his instrumental role in nurturing the wrestling talents of his daughters and nieces, including Vinesh, believes that Vinesh's political ambitions came at the cost of a potential Olympic triumph. He expressed his disappointment, stating that he had envisioned Vinesh competing in one more Olympics and achieving the ultimate goal of winning a gold medal. This sentiment reflects the deep-seated passion and unwavering dedication that Mahavir has instilled in his family members, emphasizing the pursuit of athletic excellence above all else.
While Vinesh's decision to join the Congress party and contest the elections from the Julana seat in Haryana is a personal one, her uncle's reaction highlights the contrasting priorities between family and ambition. The protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, which Vinesh participated in, are believed to have played a role in her political awakening. However, Mahavir maintains that these protests were solely against an individual and were not driven by political motivations. The timing of Vinesh's political entry, coinciding with the announcement of the Haryana elections, suggests a calculated move, further fueling speculation about her motivations.
Vinesh's decision to enter politics comes after a tumultuous period in her wrestling career, marked by a disqualification from the 2024 Olympics. This disappointment, alongside the alleged harassment by Brij Bhushan, may have catalyzed her desire to use her platform for social change. The Congress party, recognizing her popularity and potential influence among the youth, offered her a platform to champion the cause of athletes and work for the betterment of the sports ecosystem. Vinesh, in her statement upon joining the Congress, highlighted the party's understanding of the struggles faced by athletes and expressed her commitment to working for their welfare.
The conflict between family and ambition, wrestling and politics, is evident in the contrasting views of Vinesh and her uncle. While Mahavir remains focused on the pursuit of athletic excellence, Vinesh seeks to utilize her platform for broader social change. The outcome of the Haryana elections will determine whether Vinesh's foray into politics is successful, but the debate surrounding her decision is likely to continue, reflecting the complex relationship between sports, politics, and individual aspirations.
Source: Mahavir Phogat ‘against’ niece Vinesh joining politics: ‘Should have focused on Olympic gold'