Olympian Vinesh Phogat's Political Leap Amid Wrestler Protests

Vinesh Phogat has joined the Congress party, a move that her uncle and coach Mahavir Phogat believes is premature. Vinesh, noted for her wrestling career, was urged by her uncle to focus on winning an Olympic gold in 2028 instead. Both Vinesh and Bajrang Punia played key roles in last year's protests against the former WFI chief.

Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has entered the political arena by joining the Congress party, a decision that her uncle and celebrated wrestling coach Mahavir Phogat regards as premature.

Mahavir, who coached both Vinesh and his daughter Babita Phogat, hoped she would aim for an Olympic gold in 2028.

Vinesh and fellow Olympian Bajrang Punia, known for their protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, formally joined the Congress last Friday. Despite his niece's decision, Mahavir remains optimistic about BJP's chances in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)