In a dramatic turn of events, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Sanjay Singh launched a verbal assault on Olympian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, accusing them of ‘Desh Droh’ (Treason) following their decision to join the Congress party ahead of the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections.
Wrestlers turn to politics
Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, celebrated athletes who brought glory to India through their performances in international wrestling, have now entered the political arena. Their move to join Congress ahead of the elections did not sit well with Singh, who claimed the two wrestlers have damaged the sport for personal political gain.
Singh said the once-revered wrestlers would now be remembered as “pawns” of the Congress party, alleging that their recent protest in New Delhi was politically motivated. He accused the Congress of orchestrating the protest as part of a larger agenda to disrupt India’s Olympic aspirations.
Allegations of Treason against Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia
Singh didn’t mince words in his criticism, accusing Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia of committing “desh droh” (treason) by engaging in politically driven actions during an important Olympic year.
“We lost at least six medals because of them,” claimed Singh, alluding to the negative impact of the wrestlers’ protests on India’s sporting prospects. He further alleged that their actions were backed by Congress leader Deepender Hooda, claiming Hooda was the mastermind behind their protest.
Wrestlers’ Protest: Politically Motivated?
The WFI chief argued that Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia’s protests, which initially focused on seeking justice for women wrestlers, were merely a front for their political ambitions.
He suggested that the two athletes should have declared their political intentions from the outset, rather than damaging the sport under the guise of justice. Singh expressed his disappointment that the athletes, who were once pillars of Indian wrestling, had now chosen a path that, in his view, betrayed the sport and the nation.
WFI Chief’s retort to Vinesh Phogat remarks
In response to Vinesh Phogat’s statement that Congress stood by her during difficult times, Singh dismissed her gratitude, claiming that the WFI had always supported her career.
He countered that other athletes had made sacrifices for her, yet the nation still paid a steep price due to her political activities.
Looking Ahead: Politics and Sport Collide
As Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia embark on their political journey, the accusations from the WFI chief cast a shadow over their legacy in wrestling. For now, the nation remains divided over whether the two Olympic stars acted in the interest of justice, or whether their actions were part of a larger political game.
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