Wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has officially stepped down from her role at Indian Railways, signaling a new chapter in her life as she prepares to enter politics. The 29-year-old athlete announced her resignation on social media, expressing her gratitude for her tenure with the Railways.
Phogat, who recently returned from the Paris Olympics, will make her political debut with the Congress party ahead of the Haryana state elections. She will be joining forces with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia.
In her resignation post, Phogat reflected on her time with the Railways as a proud and memorable period. She stated, "At this point in my life, I have decided to part ways with the railway service and have submitted my resignation. I am thankful to the Indian Railway family for the opportunity to serve the nation."
Phogat's resignation follows a tumultuous period in her wrestling career. She was disqualified from the 50 kg gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics for being 100 grams overweight. Her appeal for a joint silver medal was denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Following this setback, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling in early August.
Phogat's move into politics has been widely speculated, especially after her recent involvement in protests and activism. She was seen participating in demonstrations at the Shambhu border with farmers and led a significant protest against BJP leader and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan in 2023, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation.
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