Wrestler and politician Vinesh Phogat has accepted a cash prize of ₹4 crore from the Haryana government. This is the same amount given to Olympic silver medalists. Vinesh, who is 30 years old, was disqualified from the 2024 Paris Olympics for being overweight right before a big match. After this disappointment, she announced her retirement from wrestling.
Vinesh is a three-time Olympian and has been a strong voice against the former leader of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh. Last year, after leaving wrestling, she won a seat in the Haryana assembly elections as a member of the Congress party.
Recently, Haryana’s chief minister, Nayab Singh Saini, said that Vinesh would receive benefits like those of Olympic medalists. Vinesh chose the cash prize of ₹4 crore instead of other options, such as a job and a plot of land. She informed the state sports department about her choice.
In March, Vinesh reminded the chief minister about his promise to honor her after her Olympic disqualification. She mentioned that it wasn’t just about the money, but about receiving respect for her achievements in sports. The chief minister called her “Haryana’s pride” and promised to ensure she gets the respect she deserves.
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