Congress Demands Retraction of Sports Minister's Statement on Vinesh Phogat

The Congress Party has issued an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, seeking the withdrawal of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's statement on Vinesh Phogat's disqualification. The Minister's remarks, involving financial figures spent on Phogat, have sparked condemnation. Congress MP Manickam Tagore urges government to address the issue seriously.

The Congress Party has formally submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha, calling for the retraction of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's controversial statement on wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification. The Minister had cited the expenditure of Rs. 70.45775 lakhs on Phogat as a 'deflection.'

Congress MP Manickam Tagore, in a strongly worded letter, condemned Mandaviya’s remarks, accusing him of insensitivity. Tagore emphasized, “The recent disqualification of Vinesh Phogat due to a minor weight discrepancy has shattered her Olympic dreams and disheartened the nation. The Rs. 70.45775 lakhs spent is not the BJP's asset; Phogat is a national asset.” He urged the government to address the matter with the gravity it warrants.

Tagore further demanded the withdrawal of Mandaviya’s statement, arguing that athletes need genuine support rather than being reduced to mere financial figures. He urged the government to adopt a more respectful approach towards the challenges sportspeople face.

Responding to the controversy, Mandaviya reiterated in the Lok Sabha that the government had extended all possible support for Phogat's Olympic preparation, including top-tier coaching and specialist assistance. Meanwhile, senior advocate Harish Salve will represent the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing concerning Phogat’s disqualification.

Following her disqualification, an emotional Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling, expressing her defeat and gratitude in a heartfelt message.