Vinesh Phogat, the wrestler-turned-politician from Haryana, recently made headlines with her decision to accept a Rs 4 crore cash prize following an offer made by the Haryana government. The state government had extended benefits equivalent to those of an Olympic silver medallist, as part of its sports policy, providing three options: a cash reward, a government job under Group 'A', or a Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) plot. Vinesh opted for the cash reward, a decision she formally communicated to the state sports department on April 8, 2025.

This move comes after Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had previously promised to offer Phogat rewards matching those of an Olympic silver medallist, despite her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Phogat, 30, had been disqualified due to being overweight ahead of her gold medal bout in the 50-kg category, an unfortunate outcome that curtailed her Olympic journey. The disqualification led to an uproar, with Phogat emerging as a vocal figure in protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh.

At the Haryana Assembly's Budget Session in March 2025, Vinesh Phogat reminded CM Saini of his commitment to honor her, stating that it wasn’t just about the money but about respect. Phogat, known for her activism, had successfully contested the Haryana Assembly elections from Julana in Haryana's Jind district last year on a Congress ticket. During her speech in the Assembly, she emphasized that the promise made by the Chief Minister had yet to be fulfilled, which contributed to the cash prize decision.

Phogat’s choice of the Rs 4 crore reflects her stance on the value of respect and recognition. She reiterated that people from across the state had been encouraging her to claim the cash award, underscoring its importance not just as financial support but as a symbol of dignity and acknowledgment for her career as a top athlete.

In response, CM Saini expressed his solidarity with Phogat, stating that despite the disqualification, she remained Haryana's pride and that he would not allow her honor to be diminished. He recognized that Phogat's disqualification was a procedural decision and reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the promise made to her.

This decision to offer Phogat a significant cash prize follows Haryana’s sports policy, which aims to reward exceptional athletes for their contributions to the state's sporting legacy. Phogat’s selection of the cash prize emphasizes the state’s ongoing support for its athletes, who continue to push boundaries in their respective sports.

The Rs 4 crore cash prize serves as a significant milestone in Phogat’s career as she transitions from being a celebrated wrestler to an influential figure in politics. The Haryana government’s offer also draws attention to the sports policy that is designed to empower athletes with the resources they need to continue excelling, while also ensuring their honor and recognition are upheld in the face of adversity.

For Vinesh Phogat, this cash reward marks a new chapter in her life, both as an athlete and as a public figure. Her journey from the wrestling mat to the political arena has been marked by determination, courage, and the continuous fight for justice and recognition. The decision also highlights the intersection of sports and politics in contemporary India, where athletes are increasingly wielding political power and using their platforms to effect change.

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