Following the wrestlers’ protest in January 2023, wrestling akhadas throughout Haryana experienced a significant increase in dropouts as worried parents withdrew their children. Young female wrestlers in Haryana are supporting Olympian-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat in her bid for the assembly election, hoping she will become the sports minister and help restore the wrestling akhadas. Parents became hesitant to send their daughters to these arenas after serious allegations of sexual harassment were made against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik led protests in the national capital, accusing the former WFI chief of sexually harassing female athletes. As the protests persisted, akhadas across Haryana saw a rise in dropouts as parents withdrew their children. For many aspiring athletes in Haryana, winning medals at major events and securing government jobs is a cherished dream.
One young female athlete shared with news agency PTI that she had to persuade her father to let her return to training. “I didn’t train for five months after the protests started because my parents wouldn’t allow me to continue. I’ve managed to convince them to let me train again, but now my father stays with me and waits while I’m here,” she said, requesting anonymity.
She believes that if Vinesh Phogat, the Congress candidate from the Julana seat, becomes the sports minister, she will better understand the challenges faced by young athletes like herself. Phogat’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she narrowly missed out on gold due to a disqualification for being 100 grams over the weight limit, has motivated many young athletes and their parents who were previously doubtful about pursuing a career in the sport.
Mohit Malik, the proprietor of Meher Singh Akhada in Rohtak, stated that Phogat’s journey will inspire families and their daughters throughout the state. “Vinesh’s performance at the Olympics is anticipated to bring about change and empower families who have hesitated to send their daughters to akhadas. With unemployment prevalent in the state, many believe that sports can be a pathway to securing government jobs. Funding for akhadas primarily relies on local residents or individuals, with minimal government assistance,” he shared with PTI.
Malik noted that Phogat has garnered support from numerous aspiring wrestlers and their coaches in Haryana. “We need someone from our community to represent us in the Vidhan Sabha,” he emphasized.
Dada Shyam Akhada in Jhajjar is also optimistic about Phogat’s success in the upcoming elections. “She has already set a standard for women wrestlers. We are hopeful that her election will inspire other politicians to advocate for their communities and wrestlers,” remarked Virender Bhuria from the akhada.
Phogat has been actively visiting various akhadas across Haryana to rally support for her election campaign. With voters from different constituencies showing their backing, Phogat expressed her desire for her constituency, Julana, to be recognized for employment and wrestling, rather than her candidacy. “I want Julana to be known for employment, for wrestling, and not for Vinesh,” she stated during a public meeting in Siwaha village in Jind.
(With PTI inputs)
