Former wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat, renowned for his contributions to the sport and his familial connection to Vinesh Phogat, has announced a new chapter in his family’s wrestling legacy.
With Vinesh Phogat’s recent decision to enter politics, Mahavir is now concentrating on preparing Sangeeta Phogat for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
On Friday, Vinesh Phogat, along with Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia (Sangeeta’s husband) joined the Congress party.
Vinesh is likely to make her political debut from Julana in Jind district in the forthcoming Haryana elections.
“Vinesh should have played LA Olympics but now that she has moved to politics, we have started preparing Sangeeta Phogat for the 2028 Games, she will bring a medal for India. Because of Jantar Mantar protest, Sangeeta missed nationals. Babita Phogat’s knees are not fine, so no point of her coming back to mat,” Mahavir Phogat told IANS.
Mahavir, a Dronacharya Awardee, has voiced his disapproval of Vinesh’s political ambitions.
He expressed a deep disappointment that Vinesh will not be competing in the 2028 Olympics as initially hoped.
“I wanted Vinesh to prepare herself for the 2028 Olympics. The decision Vinesh has made to contest the elections is entirely up to her and her husband (Somvir). We had no desire for her to enter politics. I am not happy with her decision to join politics. The entire nation was expecting Vinesh to bring home the gold in 2028, and I was hoping for the same,” he added.
Phogat further asserted, “She entered politics, might become a legislator or even a minister, but if she had won a gold medal in the Olympics, it would be remembered for life.”
In addition to his disappointment, Mahavir Phogat has leveled accusations against former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda and his son, Deepender Hooda, suggesting they played a role in Vinesh’s shift to politics.
He claimed, “Everyone was disappointed 2024 Olympics heartbreak, and to take advantage of that, (Bhupinder) Hooda and Deepender (Hooda) pushed Vinesh into politics. Initially, Vinesh did not want to contest the elections.”
Vinesh Phogat, who faced a major setback after being disqualified for being slightly overweight in the final of the women’s freestyle 50kg category at the Paris Olympics, announced her retirement from wrestling on social media following the event.
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