Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering WWE.
Wrestling Star Vows to Champion Women's Rights and Farmer Issues in New Political Role
India's top wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, has made headlines by joining the country's main opposition Congress party, just weeks after retiring from the sport following a disqualification at the Paris Olympics. Phogat, widely regarded as one of India’s best wrestlers, missed out on her final match due to failing the weigh in.
Her entry into politics was officially announced by the Congress on Friday, just days before Haryana's assembly elections, her home state. Phogat expressed her desire to serve the people with the same dedication she showed throughout her wrestling career, particularly advocating for women's issues.
Fellow wrestler and Olympian, Bajrang Punia, was also inducted into the party alongside Phogat. Their popularity, especially among Haryana's farmers, is expected to give Congress an edge in the upcoming elections.
Phogat, who resigned from her position at Indian Railways earlier in the day, has been a vocal supporter of farmers' protests in the past and played a key role in protesting against former wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Singh, accused of sexual harassment.
Phogat's Olympic journey came to an abrupt end after she was disqualified for being slightly over the 50kg weight limit. Following this, she announced her retirement and now embarks on a new chapter in politics, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the wrestling mat.
