In a significant political development, Olympic wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party on Friday, providing a major boost to the party’s campaign for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. The two athletes, known for their achievements on the international stage, made the switch ahead of the state polls scheduled for October 5.
Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli responded to the wrestlers’ decision, stating that while the party respects athletes, it does not engage in political maneuvering around them. “Players are the pride of our country, we don’t do politics on them. They will work as a member of Congress after joining,” he said.
Bajrang Punia, who won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, was quickly appointed as the working president of the All India Kisan Congress, marking his formal entry into active politics. Vinesh Phogat, the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, will contest the Haryana Assembly elections from Julana as part of Congress’s first list of 31 candidates.
Phogat, who has been vocal about the ongoing legal battle against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, reiterated her commitment to fighting for justice. “The fight is continuing, it hasn’t ended yet… With the new platform that we are getting today, we will work for the service of the nation,” she said.
The Haryana elections are set to take place on October 5, with nominations closing on September 12. Results will be announced on October 8.