Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Meet Rahul Gandhi Amid Speculations of Electoral Debut

On Wednesday, celebrated Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, sparking discussions about their potential entry into politics. The Congress party shared images of this significant meeting on social media platform X, highlighting its potential implications for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

From Sports to Politics?

Both wrestlers are currently seen as prospective candidates for the Congress in the state elections. The party is expected to announce its first list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly soon, which might include the names of these prominent athletes. This political engagement follows their recent activism against BJP leader Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. 

Vinesh Phogat, who also participated in the recent Paris Olympics, faced disappointment as she was disqualified for not maintaining the required weight class in the finals.

The transition of these athletes from sports to potentially significant political roles underscores a growing trend of sports personalities engaging directly in governance and public service, leveraging their popularity and leadership skills beyond the athletic arena.