Vinesh Phogat joins Congress for Haryana polls after Olympics return

Vinesh Phogat, a prominent wrestler, has officially entered the political arena by filing her nomination for the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 from the Julana constituency. This decision follows her recent return from the Paris Olympics 2024, where she faced disappointment after being disqualified from the final match due to being 100 grams overweight. Her participation in the elections comes as she aims to advocate for athletes' rights, a cause she shares with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, who also joined the Congress party alongside her. The Haryana Assembly elections are set to take place on October 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 8. Vinesh expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from the people of Julana, emphasizing her commitment to working for the welfare of all sections of society. Her main competitor in the elections will be Captain Yogesh Bairagi, who has been nominated to contest from the same constituency. Vinesh's transition from sports to politics highlights her desire to leverage her platform for the betterment of athletes and to address their rights and concerns. The move into politics is seen as a significant step for her, especially after the emotional setback she experienced at the Olympics, where she missed the chance to secure a gold medal. As she embarks on this new journey, Vinesh Phogat aims to bring her experience as an athlete into her political career, hoping to make a positive impact on the lives of her constituents and the broader sports community in Haryana.