National/ Sports/Politics News
6 September
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
On Friday, renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia officially joined the Congress party. Both athletes are anticipated to run as candidates in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections scheduled for October 5. Vinesh Phogat is expected to contest from the Julana constituency, currently represented by Amarjit Dhanda of the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP). Bajrang Punia is likely to be fielded from the Badali constituency, where the BJP has nominated former state president Om Prakash Dhankhar.
The wrestlers’ entry into politics followed a meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence. Earlier in the week, they had also met with former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, and the party shared photos of the meeting on social media. Both Phogat and Punia have been active in protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.
In a related development, Vinesh Phogat resigned from her position at Northern Railway, where she served in the Special Duty Games Level 7. She cited personal reasons for her resignation and expressed gratitude to Indian Railways for the opportunity to serve the nation. Phogat announced her decision on social media, marking the end of her tenure with the Railways.
Vinesh Phogat had also made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the finals in the 50 kg wrestling category at the recent Paris Olympics, though she was later disqualified due to a slight weight gain. Following the disqualification, she announced her retirement from wrestling.
With their political debut, both Phogat and Punia are set to bring their dedication and fighting spirit to the electoral battleground in Haryana.