Vinesh Phogat Likely To Contest Haryana Assembly Polls Against Babita: Reports

Chandigarh: Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat will likely contest the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls, claimed sources. Vinesh Phogat, who ran up to the final of the Women's Freestyle 50 kg wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympics was subsequently disqualified due to an overweight of 100 gm, which led to the denial of an assured medal to India, will mark her electoral debut if she will contest the upcoming Assembly polls in Haryana. Earlier, she had dismissed the reports linking her to active politics, however, reports suggested that some political parties are making efforts to convince her to join their party.

Both Delhi and Vinesh's hometown of Balali, Sonipat, gave her a warm welcome on Saturday as she returned after competing at the Paris Olympics. At the Indira Gandhi International Airport, she received a garland from Congress Member of Parliament Deepender Hooda along with other family members

A sizable crowd of Vinesh's relatives, friends, and admirers greeted her with enthusiastic applause as she emerged from the airport. The legendary wrestler was moved to tears by the outpouring of love and support. Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, who both retired from wrestling last year, were among the first to welcome Vinesh home.

Despite her earlier decision to retire following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, Vinesh left the door somewhat open for a potential comeback to the sport in a three-page letter that was released on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night.

Vinesh was disqualified from the gold medal match because, despite the team's best efforts, she was not able to make the weight in time for the weigh-in. On Wednesday, her request for a shared silver medal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was rejected.