From wrestler to politician: Know Vinesh Phogat’s timeline from mat to mandate

Two months after the heartbreak at the Paris Olympics and announcing her retirement from wrestling, Vinesh Phogat made her political debut in the Haryana state assembly elections on Tuesday.

A month after joining the Indian National Congress, Vinesh defeated Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Captain Yogesh Bairagi, a former Army officer, and ex-professional wrestler Kavita Devi from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to secure the Julana seat.

Let’s know the journey of a wrestler who successfully transitioned into politics.

August 25, 1994: Vinesh Phogat was born in Balali, Haryana, into the renowned Phogat family, which also produced wrestling champions like Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari.

Early International success

2010-2014: Vinesh began her international wrestling career, winning medals at various junior and senior levels. Her consistent performances marked her as a rising star in Indian wrestling.

2014, Medal in Commonwealth Games: Vinesh clinched her first major international victory, winning gold in the 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland.

2018, Medal in Asian Games: Continuing her winning streak, Vinesh Phogat secured a gold medal in the 50 kg category at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia.

2020, Represented India in Tokyo Olympics: Vinesh represented India at the Tokyo Olympics in the 53 kg category, advancing to the quarterfinals and cementing her place as one of India’s top wrestlers.

Protest against WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Singh

January 2023, Leading protests: Vinesh joined over 30 Indian wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, in a protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. The protests took place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, aiming to bring accountability to sports governance.

May 2023, Detained during Parliament protest: Vinesh and fellow wrestlers were detained during a march towards the new Parliament building. The demonstration was to highlight the need for reforms in Indian sports administration. This was the moment that ignited a fire in Vinesh’s eyes to win a medal for the country.

Injury and Olympic heartbreak

August 2023, Injury: Vinesh suffered a knee injury while training for the Asian Games, halting her preparations. She focused on rehabilitation, but the injury created a major setback in her wrestling career.

August 2024, Paris Olympics: In the 2024 Paris Olympics, in August, Vinesh faced heartbreak as she was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit, missing out on a chance to compete for gold against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States.

August 25, 2024, Retirement from the Sport: On her 30th birthday, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. She was honoured with a gold medal by the Sarvkhap Panchayat in Haryana, celebrating her contributions to Indian sports.

Political journey begins

September 6, 2024: Joined Indian National Congress Vinesh officially joined the Indian National Congress, alongside fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, marking the beginning of her political journey.

October 2024: Victory in Haryana State Elections A month after joining the Congress party, Vinesh contested the Julana seat in the Haryana state assembly elections. She defeated BJP’s Captain Yogesh Bairagi and AAP’s ex-wrestler Kavita Devi to emerge victorious, launching her political career with great success.