Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat believes that to bring about real change, she must engage in politics with the same energy and determination as she displayed on the wrestling mat.
“Politics is in every sphere of life,” the 30-year-old athlete told DW, adding that it was important for her to enter the political arena.
Fighting for women’s safety
Phogat, a triple Commonwealth Games gold medalist, has been a leading figure in protests demanding action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a powerful politician and former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Phogat and other top wrestlers, including Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik, staged monthslong demonstrations in New Delhi, accusing Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation of female athletes.
In May, a Delhi court charged Singh, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. Singh denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
“I see this opportunity as a time to give back to society, especially for those who continue to suffer exploitation and abuse,” Phogat said.
“Women and athletes who agonize and continue to do so because of harassment, see me as one who can give them a voice. They have expectations and it is this desire which keeps me going. It was a necessity,” the Indian Olympic wrestling star said.
Disqualification from Paris Olympics
Phogat retired from wrestling after she was disqualified ahead of the Paris Olympics women’s 50-kilogram freestyle final for failing to meet the weight requirement, having been over by just 100 grams. She had been confident of scoring a gold medal in the Paris event.
She is positive about her chances in the electoral ring. She joined India’s main opposition Congress party and contested from the Julana constituency in Haryana’s state legislative elections held on Saturday, October 5. The results are due on Tuesday. Exit polls have predicted a landslide win for Phogat.
Still keeping the fighter in her alive, Phogat believes there are several similarities between wrestling and politics.
“Self-belief, patience and hard work have carried me in good stead for the 24 years that I have been wrestling. It is as if my higher power wants me to carry these qualities into a different sphere and I want to test them,” she said.
Empowering women through sport
Phogat continues to highlight everyday misogyny and the rampant sexual harassment that athletes face.
She told DW that there are many sportswomen who are on the sidelines, afraid to speak out due to fear of reprisal, which is why they’ve decided to throw their support behind her.
“I will be just a call away if there is trouble,” she said.
It has been a challenge for girls from the northern Indian state of Haryana to break into male-dominated sports like wrestling. The skewed sex ratio in the region and deeply ingrained patriarchy make it even harder.
Wrestling has gained popularity among women in India, thanks to successes at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Many of the wrestlers hail from Haryana and come from humble backgrounds.
Overcoming barriers in life and sport
Taking up wrestling requires not only shedding social conventions but also overcoming inherent physical inhibitions.
“The people have shown me a lot of love and affection in this election, and I am determined to fight for them,” Phogat said, adding that she is not unknown, and they trust that she can deliver.
Phogat is facing off against Kavita Dalal from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who was the first Indian professional woman wrestler to compete in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). She is also up against the BJP’s Yogesh Bairagi, a former commercial pilot.
“A lot of women and players came out for voting. It will be an early Diwali for them if I win,” said Phogat, jokingly, referring to the Hindu festival of lights.
“In the last 18 months, a lot has happened. And I believe this could be an opportunity to change the sporting system and make it safer.”
Phogat refused to speculate if she will be made the state’s sports minister, if she wins.
“That is in the hands of the party and the public. If it was within my reach, I would say I wanted the gold medal in the Olympics … it is not in my hands,” she said.
“We have a responsibility and unless you are in power, nothing can be done.”
Edited by: Keith Walker
