Though she returned from the Paris Olympics without a medal, disqualified for being overweight ahead of the finals, India’s star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has emerged as a symbol of resilience and pride in Haryana. Her homecoming to the village of Balali in Charkhi Dadri district was nothing short of a hero’s welcome, with crowds celebrating her as a champion despite the setback.
However, Vinesh’s disqualification has sparked a fierce political battle in Haryana, where elections are just around the corner. Political parties, Khap Panchayats, and sports personalities have all rallied behind her, each seeking to align themselves with the wrestling icon’s cause.
The Congress party, particularly former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son Deepender Hooda, has been quick to seize the moment. With Vinesh having been one of the leading voices against Wrestling Federation of India chief Sashi Bhushan Singh, leading protests in Delhi demanding his removal, the Hoodas see an opportunity to garner political support. Deepender Hooda, the Congress MP from Rohtak, was one of the few political figures present at IGI Airport to welcome Vinesh upon her return. In a show of solidarity, he joined her atop a G-Wagon, alongside fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik.
In post on social media platform X, Deepender shared a photo with Vinesh, captioned, “Bahut Ladi Mardani-Who To Haryane Ki Sherani Thi” (She fought bravely—she was the lioness of Haryana). He added, “This emotional moment after disembarking from the airplane at Delhi Airport will always serve as an inspiration in life. There is a lot of pain hidden in this moment. Sister Vinesh risked her life for the pride of the country and all of us.”
On the other hand, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini criticized the Congress for politicizing the issue. “We are proud of our daughter Vinesh Phogat, and she need not worry about anything. We will ensure that she is respected. As for the Congress, their job is to politicize every issue since they have nothing else to offer,” Saini stated. In a gesture of support, the Chief Minister had earlier announced that Vinesh would be honored like a silver medalist, entitling her to a cash award of Rs 4 crore from the Haryana government.
The political sparring intensified when Bhupinder Hooda suggested that the Congress would have nominated Vinesh to the Rajya Sabha if they had the required number of MLAs. This remark prompted a sharp retort from the BJP and even from Vinesh’s uncle, Mahavir Phogat, who questioned why the Hooda-led Congress had not sent other athletes to the Rajya Sabha during their tenure.
Despite the political storm brewing around her, Vinesh and her family have remained largely silent. In a late-night interaction organized by the village panchayat, Vinesh spoke with raw emotion, saying, “This Olympic medal has left a deep wound… it will take time to heal. But I want to express my gratitude to the people of my country. I can’t say right now whether I’ve quit wrestling or if I’ll continue… our fight is far from over. I’ve just crossed one part of this battle… it’s a long journey; we’ve been fighting for the past year, and it will go on.”