Ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat is expected to contest the next Haryana Assembly polls, said sources close to her, according to IANS.
But Vinesh had already said that she would not enter active politics.
However, some political parties are making a lot of effort to “convince” her, according to latest reports.
Vinesh lost her opportunity to win in women’s freestyle 50 kg event at the Olympics in Paris after being disqualified from the final for being 100 grams overweight.
On Saturday both, the national capital and Balali village of Sonipat district where Vinesh hails from gave her a warm reception. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, Congress MP Deepender Hooda along with other family members put garlands around her neck.
However, it is undisclosed which party will be eventually joined by Vinesh
“Why not? Maybe you will see in Haryana assembly Vinesh Phogat vs Babita Phogat and Bajrang Punia vs Yogeshwar Dutt. Some political parties want to convince her,” sources close to Phogat family told IANS when asked about 2024 Olympic finalist wrestler’s future plans.
As she emerged from the airport, there was a massive crowd of relatives, friends and well-wishers who met her with loud clapping. The legendary wrestler was overwhelmed with love and support by them till she burst into tears.
Beyond the airport people were wildly cheering. Sakshi Malikkh and Bajrang Punia were among those who first greeted their fellow wrestler upon arrival at home last year before retiring from wrestling altogether.
Both Sakshi and Vinesh have seen their careers struggle; they hugged tightly and wept together over their shared pain.
Saturday’s statement “Our fight has not ended and the fight will continue and I pray to god that truth will prevail.” came from Vinesh.
Vinesh also expressed her sadness for having missed an Olympic podium on Friday, in addition to tying her personal disappointment with a broader fight for women’s rights in India which she protested against the former federation boss.
Vinesh made a three page letter available on X (formerly Twitter), which wasn’t explicit of retiring completely from sports even after being disqualified during the Paris Olympics.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) denied her request for joint silver medal last Wednesday, after Vinesh had been barred from competing in the gold medal match due to failure of the team’s efforts to get her down to weight.
