On August 17, 2024, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat returned to her village in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, after a 13-hour journey covering 110 kilometers. Her arrival was met with a grand welcome, complete with a stage and musicians, celebrating her achievements despite her recent disqualification at the Paris Olympics for being overweight. The event, however, has ignited political tensions, with BJP spokesperson Neha Dhawan accusing the Congress party of politicizing the occasion. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced benefits for Vinesh that are comparable to those given to silver Olympic medallists, further fueling the political discourse surrounding her return [dda3eea6].
The BJP has faced criticism from its own ranks, with trolls suggesting that the welcome was sponsored by Congress, reflecting the ongoing rivalry between the two parties. Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda even proposed sending Vinesh to the Rajya Sabha if Congress had the numbers, indicating the potential for her to be used as a political pawn in the upcoming elections [dda3eea6].
Vinesh, who has expressed her commitment to continue wrestling until the next Olympics, has garnered significant public support despite her recent challenges in the sport. Her return to Haryana has not only highlighted her dedication to wrestling but also the complex interplay of sports and politics in India [dda3eea6].
In the broader context of Indian wrestling, the sport has been marred by controversies, including ongoing protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and allegations of sexual harassment against its former president, Brij Bhushan Singh. These issues have overshadowed the achievements of wrestlers like Vinesh, who now finds herself at the center of a political storm as she attempts to navigate her career amidst these challenges [fbddf260].