Vinesh Phogat’s Journey: Achievements in Wrestling and Politics

Renowned female wrestler Vinesh Phogat has made a remarkable transition from the wrestling mat to the political arena. Contesting on a Congress ticket, she has secured victory from the Julana seat in the Jind district during the Haryana Assembly elections. Phogat defeated Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Captain Yogesh Bairagi by a margin of 6,005 votes in a closely contested race.

A New Chapter in Politics

Following a disappointing end to her wrestling career at the Paris Olympics, where she faced disqualification before reaching the finals, Vinesh made the bold decision to enter politics. Joining the Congress party, she was chosen as a candidate for the Julana assembly seat, where her dedication and passion resonated with the local populace.

An Inspiring Wrestling Career

Vinesh Phogat, born on August 25, 1994, in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, hails from a family deeply rooted in wrestling. Her father, Rajpal Phogat, and her cousins, Geeta and Babita Phogat, have all excelled in the sport. Vinesh’s journey in wrestling has been nothing short of extraordinary; she has achieved remarkable success, including:

• Gold Medals: A hat-trick of golds at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, 2018, and 2022, alongside a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
• World Championships: Bronze medals in the 2019 and 2022 World Wrestling Championships.
• Olympic Journey: Vinesh reached the finals of the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a significant achievement despite the unfortunate disqualification.

Financial Success and Lifestyle

Vinesh Phogat’s net worth has seen a significant increase, reportedly rising from ₹5 crore before the 2024 Paris Olympics to approximately ₹36.5 crore today. She owns several luxury properties and vehicles, including a ₹1.8 crore Mercedes GLE and a Toyota Fortuner valued at around ₹35 lakh. Additionally, she resides in a house worth ₹2 crore in Kharkhoda, Haryana.

Sources of Income

Vinesh’s income stems from multiple avenues, including:

• Government Salary: An annual reward of ₹6 lakh from the Government of India for her sporting achievements.
• Sponsorships and Advertising: Following the Paris 2024 Olympics, her advertising fees have surged, with brands willing to pay between ₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore per deal. Her endorsements are managed by Cornerstone Sports Company.
• Prize Money: Vinesh has also received financial rewards from both the central and state governments for her outstanding performances in international competitions.

Personal Life

Vinesh Phogat married fellow wrestler Somveer Rathi, a two-time national champion, in December 2018. Together, they are one of India’s leading sports couples, sharing a deep passion for wrestling.

As Vinesh embarks on her new political journey, her achievements in wrestling will undoubtedly continue to inspire many. Her story illustrates the power of resilience and adaptability, showcasing how success in one field can pave the way for new opportunities.