By The Sampadak Express
Wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat has accepted a ₹4 crore cash prize from the Haryana government, choosing it over other state-offered benefits under its sports policy.
The state government had extended to Phogat the option to receive rewards equivalent to those granted to Olympic silver medalists. This came in the wake of her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 50 kg wrestling category due to being overweight just before her gold medal bout. A day after the disqualification, the 30-year-old announced her retirement from competitive wrestling.
Following her retirement, Phogat successfully transitioned into politics, winning the Julana seat in the Haryana assembly elections last year as a Congress candidate. The three-time Olympian had also played a key role in leading protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh.
Last month, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini confirmed that the BJP-led state cabinet had decided to offer Phogat benefits under the Olympic silver medalist bracket. These included a ₹4 crore cash prize, a Group ‘A’ government job under the Outstanding Sportspersons (OSP) quota, and a residential plot under the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) scheme.
According to official sources, Phogat formally informed the state’s sports department of her decision to opt for the cash award by submitting a letter earlier this week. However, the information has not been independently verified.
Phogat had previously raised the issue in the Haryana Assembly’s Budget session, reminding the chief minister of his promise. “The CM had said Vinesh is our daughter and will be honoured like an Olympic silver medalist. That promise is still pending,” she said. “This is not about money, it’s about respect.”
In response, CM Saini had reiterated that Phogat was disqualified due to a technical decision and assured that her contribution would be recognized, calling her “Haryana’s pride.”
