Vinesh Phogat Demands Both Rs 4 Crore and Plot from Haryana Government

The Haryana Sports Department has found itself in a challenging position after wrestler-turned-MLA Vinesh Phogat requested both a cash reward and a plot, despite being asked to select only one of three offered benefits. This unexpected demand has created confusion among authorities about how to proceed.

On March 25, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the Cabinet had made a special consideration for Phogat—now a Congress MLA—following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics for exceeding the weight limit. The department subsequently wrote to her, presenting three options: a Rs 4 crore cash award, an HSVP (Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran) plot, or an Outstanding Sports Person (OSP) Group A job.

However, in her response, Phogat accepted the Rs 4 crore cash prize while simultaneously requesting the plot—equivalent to what Olympic silver medallists receive under the state policy. "She was supposed to choose one, given her unique situation, but she has asked for both," a Sports Department official revealed, noting that as an elected MLA, she was unlikely to consider the government job option.

Phogat had advanced to the finals in the 50 kg category at the Paris Olympics last year but faced disqualification just before her August 7 bout after weighing over the limit by more than 100 grams. Olympic regulations strictly enforce weight categories, with even minimal excess resulting in disqualification. Notably, during her initial weigh-in on August 6, she had successfully met the requirement at 49.9 kg.

A day following her disqualification, CM Saini posted on X: "The entire country, not just Haryana, is proud of Vinesh Phogat. She will receive all benefits due to a silver medallist." Hours after this statement, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling.

She subsequently joined the Congress party on September 6, 2024, and later secured victory in the Julana Assembly seat by over 6,000 votes. During the recent Budget session, she reminded the Chief Minister of his promise, after which the state Cabinet on March 25 decided to grant her the benefit as a "special case."

Haryana offers the highest prize money nationwide for Olympic achievements, with gold medallists receiving Rs 6 crore, silver medallists Rs 4 crore, and bronze medallists Rs 2.5 crore. Additionally, all participating athletes from the state are awarded Rs 15 lakh each. Despite repeated attempts to reach her, Phogat was unavailable for comment.