Olympic Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Join Congress, Embark on New Political Journey
New Delhi - In a significant political move, Olympic medalists Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress party, marking their entry into politics. The induction ceremony, held at the Congress headquarters on Friday, was attended by party's General Secretary KC Venugopal who formally welcomed the athletes into the fold.
Vinesh Phogat, who resigned from her position with the railways prior to joining the party, expressed her gratitude towards Congress for its support during her challenging times. Bajrang Punia echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the party's role during critical moments of their careers and public protests.
During the ceremony, Venugopal highlighted the wrestlers' significant contributions to sports and their potential to inspire political engagement among the youth. “We are proud to welcome Vinesh and Bajrang into the Congress family. Their dedication to sports and public welfare is commendable, and we believe they will bring the same fervor to their political careers,” stated Venugopal.
Addressing the media post-induction, Phogat and Punia vowed to continue their fight for justice and public welfare, not just on the mats but also in the political arena. Vinesh expressed her commitment to supporting women and underrepresented communities, "I feel immensely proud today. We will continue our fight and win. I have always stood by my sisters, and Congress stands with you too.”
Bajrang Punia recounted his active participation in various social causes, including the farmers' protests, opposition to the Agnipath scheme, and supporting female wrestlers during their protests. “Politics will be a new platform for us to serve society,” he stated.
The entry of these prominent sports figures into Congress is seen as a strategic move by the party to strengthen its appeal among young voters and sports enthusiasts. With elections around the corner, the party anticipates that the inclusion of Phogat and Punia will significantly boost its campaign and connect with the masses.