New Delhi: Ahead of the formal induction of Olympians Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat into the Congress party, Olympic medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik stated on Friday that the decision to join the political party was a personal choice of the two athletes. Malik, who has declined political offers herself, emphasized her commitment to advancing the cause of women in wrestling.

Malik clarified, "I also received several political offers, but I chose to decline them because I believe in staying true to my fight for women in wrestling." She stressed that her focus remains on her ongoing efforts to address issues within the wrestling federation and to combat the exploitation of female wrestlers.

The announcement of Punia and Phogat's entry into Congress comes as Haryana prepares for its 90-member Assembly elections on October 5, with results scheduled for October 8. Malik, who has been vocal in her opposition to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, stated that her struggle was solely against Singh and that she would not participate in political campaigns for the Haryana elections.

Reports indicate that while Bajrang Punia will not contest the Assembly elections, he is expected to be appointed as the co-chairman of the Haryana Congress campaign committee. Vinesh Phogat, on the other hand, will be running for a seat, with her constituency to be decided by the evening.

Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the 50 kg gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics due to a weight discrepancy and subsequently announced her retirement from wrestling, had met with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi earlier in the week. Her retirement and the recent controversy surrounding her have fueled speculation about her political ambitions, similar to her cousin Babita Phogat, a BJP MLA.

In 2023, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat were prominent figures in the protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment of female wrestlers.

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