Vinesh Phogat, the star Indian wrestler, is likely to contest in the upcoming Haryana Assembly Polls. While she had earlier dismissed reports linking her to active politics, people close to the Olympian informed IANS that she could contest in the elections.
It is being learnt that some political parties are making an attempt to "convince" the 29-year-old to join them. Notably, Vinesh Phogat's run up to the final of the Women's Freestyle 50 kg wrestling and her subsequent disqualification that denied India an assured medal was one of the the biggest stories of Paris Olympics 2024.
"Yes, why not? It's likely that in Haryana assembly you see Vinesh Phogat vs Babita Phogat and Bajrang Punia vs Yogeshwar Dutt. Some political parties are trying to convince her," sources close to Phogat family told news agency IANS.
CAS Dismisses Vinesh Phogat's Plea Against Paris Olympics Disqualification
After being disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024, the Indian grappler had filed an official plea against the decision, demanding a joint silver medal. However, Vinesh Phogat's appeal was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS), giving a detailed explanation of its decision.
"There is no dispute that the Applicant was above the weight limit. She gave the above evidence clearly and directly at the hearing. Her case is that the amount of excess was 100g and that a tolerance should apply as this is a small excess and explicable for reasons such as drinking water and water retention, in particular during the pre-menstrual phase," CAS wrote in its detailed verdict.
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After Paris Olympics 2024 heartbreak, Vinesh had announced her decision to retire from professional wrestling but her recent statement suggests, she could well make a comeback.
"As I got love from my fellow Indians, my village and my family members, I guess I would get some courage to make this wound (Paris Olympics medal miss) heal. Maybe, I could return to wrestling," she was quoted as saying by PTI.