Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, after joining the Congress Party ahead of the Haryana Assembly Elections, met former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and emphasized that her new political journey is not just about entering politics, but about fighting for justice and service on a new platform. Her statement comes as she continues to voice her commitment to the issues she has long been passionate about, including justice for women and athletes.
Vinesh, an internationally acclaimed wrestler, expressed her happiness following her meeting with Hooda, recalling his support during the time she was protesting against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment. She highlighted how Hooda and his son, Lok Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda, stood by her and other athletes during their struggle.
“Yesterday, I was happy to meet former Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda ji and my elder brother Shri Deepender Singh Hooda ji at his residence in Delhi. Hooda sahab’s sports policy has made Haryana a leader in sports. During his tenure, players were offered jobs like DSP and cash awards, which attracted the youth towards sports and inspired them to win medals at the international level,” Vinesh shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
She also recalled the difficult days of the protests, adding, “Even today, I cannot forget the day when we were dragged on the streets of Delhi. In that difficult time, our elder brother Deepender Hooda ji not only stood with us and gave us courage, but also raised his voice strongly against the injustice being done to the daughters of the country. This new journey is not just politics for me, but a fight for service and justice on a new platform.”
Her entry into the Congress Party is seen as a significant move, particularly given her past activism and strong stance against injustice. Vinesh, along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, joined Congress on September 6, just weeks before the Haryana Assembly polls. Vinesh Phogat was also fielded in the Julana constituency for the upcoming elections, further underscoring her active involvement in public life beyond sports.
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Meanwhile, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been at the center of the sexual harassment allegations brought by Phogat and other female wrestlers, made derogatory remarks about Vinesh and Bajrang Punia. He labeled them “khalnayaks” (villains) of Haryana, particularly to athletes, accusing them of misusing their influence in the wrestling trials and the political arena.
Brij Bhushan said, “Who is Bajrang Punia to even talk to me? He used his wife for political gains. Vinesh Phogat broke the rules by participating in a trial… They hijacked the entire system. The same weight she hid here became her downfall there (in Paris Olympics).”
Both Vinesh and Punia have had stellar careers in wrestling. Punia won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, and Vinesh made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final during the Paris Olympics. However, they have both recently resigned from their respective positions in Northern Railways, a move seen as paving the way for their deeper political involvement.
The Haryana Assembly elections, to be held on October 5, have generated much political activity, with Congress positioning itself to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state. In the 2019 elections, BJP formed a coalition government with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), but earlier this year, the alliance was dissolved, setting the stage for a highly competitive electoral battle. The outcome will be crucial for Haryana’s political future, and Vinesh Phogat’s involvement has added a new dimension to the unfolding political drama.
