**Vinesh Phogat Accepts ₹4 Crore Cash Prize from Haryana Government**
Vinesh Phogat, the wrestler-turned-Congress MLA, has opted for a cash prize of ₹4 crore from the BJP-led Haryana government. This decision comes after she was presented with several options, including a residential plot and a Group A government job, as part of the state’s sports policy aimed at honoring her achievements akin to those of an Olympic silver medallist. Despite her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Haryana government is recognizing her contributions to sports.
The Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) oversees these rewards, which are part of a broader initiative to support top athletes, including Olympians, with significant benefits. Under the state’s sports policy, athletes can receive a deputy director-level position in the sports department. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had previously pledged to reward Phogat as if she were an Olympic medallist after her disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final due to a weight limit violation.
In March, Phogat, who represents Julana in Jind district, raised concerns about the unfulfilled promise during the Haryana Assembly’s budget session, emphasizing that her fight was about respect rather than money. Following her remarks, the state cabinet approved the decision to grant her Olympic-level benefits.
Haryana’s sports policy is recognized as one of the most generous in India, offering ₹6 crore to gold medallists, ₹4 crore to silver medallists, and ₹2.5 crore to bronze medallists. However, Phogat’s choice of a cash prize has drawn criticism from some quarters, including Haryana Congress leader Ravinder Singh Dhull, who sarcastically suggested that if cash rewards are being distributed, he should receive one too.
Phogat made headlines in August 2024 when she became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, only to be disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams. This technical disqualification sparked discussions, especially in light of her involvement in a high-profile protest against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment.
In the wake of her disqualification, Chief Minister Saini praised Phogat on social media, calling her “Haryana’s pride.” Shortly after, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling, citing a lack of strength to continue, and transitioned into politics, winning the Julana seat in the October 2024 Haryana Assembly elections. She has also criticized the Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha for not providing adequate support during her challenging journey to the Paris Olympics.
As Vinesh Phogat embarks on her new political career, her story continues to resonate, highlighting the complexities of sports, politics, and the pursuit of respect and recognition.
**FAQ**
**What led to Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the 2024 Olympics?**
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling category for weighing in 100 grams over the limit, a violation of United World Wrestling rules.
