Will wrestler Vinesh Phogat win in politics? – DW – 10/07/2024

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat 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 Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, 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 the Indian capital New Delhi, accusing Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation of female athletes.

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

“Women and athletes who suffer and continue to do so 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,” says the Indian Olympic wrestler . said.

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

Disqualification from the Olympic Games in Paris

Phogat retired from wrestling after she was disqualified ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s 50-kilogram freestyle final after failing to meet the weight requirement. Previously, she had been confident of scoring a gold medal at the Paris event.

Just like today, she is positive about her chances in the electoral ring. Phogat is a member of India’s main opposition Congress Party and recently represented the Julana constituency in parliamentary elections held on October 5 in the northern Indian state of Haryana.

Her main opponent was Kavita Dalal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the first Indian professional female wrestler to compete in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). She also took on the BJP’s Yogesh Bairgi, a former commercial pilot.

Exit polls predict a landslide victory for Phogat. The final results will follow on Tuesday.

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

“Self-confidence, patience and hard work have served me well over the past 24 years of wrestling. It’s as if 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 has also made a name for himself by highlighting the everyday misogyny and rampant sexual harassment that some athletes face.

She told DW that there are many sportswomen who are afraid to speak out for fear of reprisals and support her. “If there are any problems, I’m just a phone call away,” she said.

She says it is a challenge for women in Haryana to delve into male-dominated sports like wrestling. The region’s skewed gender ratio and deep-rooted patriarchy make it even more difficult.

However, in recent years, wrestling has gained popularity among women in India, thanks to successes at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Overcoming barriers in life and sports

“The people have shown me a lot of love and affection in these elections, and I am determined to fight for them,” Phogat said.

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

She declined to speculate on whether she would become the state’s sports minister if she won.

“That is in the hands of the party and the public,” she said, adding that if it had been within her reach, she would have wanted a gold medal at the Olympics.

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

Edited by: Keith Walker