In a recent development, Mahavir Singh Phogat, the acclaimed wrestling coach, voiced his discontent with his niece, Vinesh Phogat, over her sudden shift from wrestling to politics. Vinesh, who was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a slight weight issue, has announced her retirement from wrestling and her candidacy for the Haryana Assembly elections with the Congress party. Mahavir Singh Phogat believes that Vinesh’s focus should have remained on achieving Olympic glory rather than making a premature political transition.

Mahavir Phogat expressed his sentiments, stating that Vinesh’s move to join politics came too early and could have been delayed until after the 2028 Olympics. Despite acknowledging her past achievements, he feels that the weight of national expectations for a gold medal in wrestling was significant, and her shift to politics might have been better timed post her Olympic career. He also mentioned that neither Vinesh nor fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia had any prior intentions of entering politics, which adds to his disappointment.

Adding to the controversy, Mahavir Phogat also commented on his daughter Babita Phogat's exclusion from the BJP ticket for upcoming elections. He maintained that the party's decisions should be respected, despite personal disappointment. Meanwhile, Vinesh Phogat has embraced her new role with enthusiasm, citing the immense support from the Congress party and the public, as she prepares for the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5.

As the political landscape heats up with elections approaching, Vinesh Phogat’s transition from a celebrated wrestler to a political candidate continues to stir discussions, especially within her family and among her supporters.