Popular wrestler Vinesh Phogat to join Congress soon?

NEW DELHI: Vinesh Phogat, who entered billion hearts after falling from grace over a heartbreaking disqualification in Paris Olympics, is expected to soon adorn political colors. Various political parties are circling Vinesh with tickets to contest the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.

Vinesh on her return from Paris received a heroic welcome at Delhi airport, while tens of thousands waited on the roadside with garlands on their way to her hometown in Sonipat Haryana. Vinesh's popular support has already left major political parties in awe. It is reported that Congress is leading the race to bring the wrestler to their camp.

Vinesh was welcomed at Delhi airport under the leadership of Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda. Leader of Opposition in Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the Congress would have already nominated Vinesh for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat if it had sufficient members.

The current debate in Haryana is whether Vinesh will contest for the assembly against Babita Phogat, former wrestler and daughter of her mentor and uncle Mahavir Phogat. Babita, a 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, joined the BJP in 2019 along with Olympic medalist wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt.

Babita, who initially expressed her support for the wrestling strike led by Vinesh, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, later withdrew due to political pressure. If Babita contests for BJP this time, Congress will up the ante by fielding Vinesh, who is now the star of not just her village but the whole of India.