TMC MP Suggests Honors for Wrestler Vinesh Phogat After Her Retirement

Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress MP from Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, has sparked controversy following his call for the government to award wrestler Vinesh Phogat the Bharat Ratna or nominate her for a Rajya Sabha seat. This demand came in the wake of Phogat's disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics, which has left many in India shocked and disheartened. Banerjee emphasized Phogat's exceptional talent and resilience, stating that no medal could truly reflect her capabilities. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions on social media, with many users expressing skepticism about the appropriateness of such honors. Critics have mocked Banerjee's suggestion, with one user humorously proposing that Phogat should be made Chief Minister of West Bengal instead. Others have pointed out that Phogat's recent disqualification is not an isolated incident, questioning the merit of awarding her such high honors in light of her performance. Despite the backlash, Banerjee's comments have sparked a broader conversation about the recognition of athletes in India, particularly female wrestlers who have faced significant challenges. The support for Phogat from various political figures highlights a collective acknowledgment of her contributions to Indian sports, even as public opinion remains divided. In a poignant turn, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling shortly after her disqualification, leaving her fans and supporters devastated. The situation underscores the emotional toll that competitive sports can take on athletes, particularly in high-stakes environments like the Olympics.