Will wrestler Vinesh Phogat win in politics? – Dnyuz

wrestling star believes that to bring about real change, she must enter politics with the same energy and determination she brings to the wrestling mat.

“Politics takes place in every area of ​​life,” the 30-year-old athlete told DW, adding that it was important for her to enter the political arena.

Fighting for women’s safety

Phogat, a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, was a leading figure in protests demanding action against , a powerful politician and former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Phogat and other top wrestlers, including Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik, staged months of demonstrations in New Delhi, accusing Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation of female athletes.

In May, a Delhi court accused Singh, a member of the Prime Minister’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of criminal intimidation. Singh denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

“I see this opportunity as a time to give back to society, especially to those who continue to suffer from exploitation and abuse,” Phogat said.

“Women and athletes who continue to suffer because of harassment see me as someone who can give them a voice. They have expectations and it is this desire that keeps me going. It was a necessity,” said the Indian Olympic wrestler.

Disqualification from the Olympic Games in Paris

Phogat retired from wrestling after she was disqualified ahead of the women’s 50 kilogram freestyle final for failing to meet the weight requirement, having only exceeded 100 grams. She was confident she would score a gold medal at the Paris event.

She is positive about her chances in the electoral ring. She joined India’s main opposition Congress party and contested from the Julana constituency in the Haryana parliamentary elections held on Saturday, October 5. The results will be announced on Tuesday. Exit polls predict a landslide victory for Phogat.

Still keeping the fighter alive in her, Phogat believes there are several similarities between wrestling and politics.

“Confidence, patience and hard work have served me well in the 24 years I have been wrestling. It’s like my higher power wants me to take these qualities to another realm and I want to test them,” she said.

Empowering women through sport

Phogat continues to highlight the everyday misogyny and issues athletes face.

She told DW that there are many sportswomen on the sidelines, afraid to speak out for fear of reprisals. That’s why they decided to leave their support behind.

“If there are any problems, I’m just a phone call away,” she said.

It was a challenge for girls from the northern Indian state of Haryana to delve into male-dominated sports such as wrestling. The region’s skewed gender ratio and deep-rooted patriarchy make it even more difficult.

Wrestling has become popular among women in India, thanks to successes at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Many of the wrestlers are from Haryana and come from humble backgrounds.

Overcoming barriers in life and sports

Taking up wrestling requires not only letting go of social conventions, but also overcoming inherent physical inhibitions.

“The people have shown me a lot of love and affection in these elections, and I am determined to fight for them,” Phogat said, adding that she is no stranger, and they trust her to deliver on her promises.

Phogat will take on Kavita Dalal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the first Indian professional female wrestler to compete in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). She is also pitted against the BJP’s Yogesh Bairgi, a former commercial pilot.

“A lot of women and players came out to vote. If I win, it will be an early Diwali for them,” Phogat said jokingly, referring to the Hindu festival of lights.

“A lot has happened in the past eighteen months. And I believe this could be an opportunity to change the sports system and make it safer.”

Phogat declined to speculate on whether she will become the state’s sports minister if she wins.

“That is in the hands of the party and the public. If it was within my reach, I would say I wanted the gold medal in the Olympics… it is not in my hands,” she said.

“We have a responsibility and unless you are in power, nothing can be done.”

Edited by: Keith Walker

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