Chandigarh (PTI): Renowned wrestling coach and Olympian Vinesh Phogat’s uncle, Mahavir Phogat, expressed concern over his niece’s decision to enter politics, days after the Congress fielded her from Julana for the upcoming Haryana assembly elections. Mahavir believes Vinesh should have focused on winning an Olympic gold in 2028 instead.
Mahavir, whose daughter Babita Phogat, also an Olympian, joined the BJP in 2019, remains confident that the party will retain power in Haryana for a third consecutive term. Babita, known for inspiring the Bollywood film Dangal, unsuccessfully contested the 2019 polls from Dadri.
When asked about Vinesh joining the Congress, Mahavir, a Dronacharya awardee, said, “It is her decision… these days, children make their own choices.” He added that Vinesh had not indicated any interest in politics during their recent conversations.
Vinesh, along with fellow Olympian Bajrang Punia, had been at the forefront of the wrestlers’ protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Both wrestlers joined Congress last week.
Mahavir expressed disappointment, saying, “I wanted her to focus on her game and win a gold medal at the 2028 Olympics. I feel she shouldn’t have joined politics at this stage.”
When asked whether Vinesh consulted him before her political decision, Mahavir said, “There was no discussion. If there had been, I would have advised against it.” Despite Congress’s claims, Mahavir remains optimistic about BJP’s chances in the upcoming elections. “When results are declared, you will see—BJP will be back in power,” he said.
