Here's Why Vinesh Phogat Is Given Olympic Silver Medalist Benefits Despite Disqualification

The Haryana Cabinet has approved special provisions allowing Congress MLA and wrestler Vinesh Phogat to receive benefits equivalent to those of an Olympic silver medalist, despite her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced this decision during a press conference on Tuesday, fulfilling a promise he made last year. 

What Benefits Will Phogat Receive?

Under Haryana's sports policy, an Olympic silver medalist is entitled to three major benefits:

1. A cash prize of Rs 4 crore
2. An Outstanding Sports Person (OSP) job under Group 'A'
3. Allotment of a Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) plot.

According to CM Saini, Phogat will be asked to specify which of these benefits she wishes to avail, as she is now serving as an MLA.

The Paris Olympics Heartbreak

Phogat's journey at the Paris Olympics ended in heartbreak when she was disqualified just before her final match on August 7, 2024. Having qualified for the finals in the 50-kg weight category, she was found to be slightly over the weight limit during the morning weigh-in, approximately 100 grams above the 50-kg mark.

This came as a shock as she had weighed 49.9 kg during her first weigh-in on August 6. According to Olympic rules, even a few grams over the weight limit results in automatic disqualification.

CM's Promise and Political Journey

Following her disqualification, CM Saini showed his support through social media, tweeting: "Vinesh, you are the pride of India and an inspiration to every Indian... The entire nation, including Haryana, stands with you." 

The next day, he publicly committed that "Vinesh Phogat will receive all benefits given to a silver medalist from the government."

On August 8, 2024, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. Her political journey began on September 6, 2024, when she joined the Congress party and successfully contested from the Julana Assembly constituency, winning by over 6,000 votes.

Raising the Issue in Assembly

During the ongoing Budget Session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, Phogat spoke about her struggle against former Wrestling Federation of India president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom she and other wrestlers had accused of sexual harassment in protests that began in January 2023

She also reminded CM Saini of his promise regarding the silver medalist benefits. The Chief Minister assured her that the commitment would be honored, leading to Tuesday's Cabinet approval as a special case. 

Haryana's Generous Sports Policy

Haryana offers the highest prize money in India to Olympic medallists:

• Gold medalists: Rs 6 crore
• Silver medalists: Rs 4 crore
• Bronze medalists: Rs 2.5 crore
• Olympic participants from the state: Rs 15 lakh 

This generous policy has been credited with contributing to Haryana's disproportionate representation in India's Olympic contingents over the years.