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Vinesh Phogat, a renowned Indian wrestler, has refuted allegations made by fellow wrestler Sakshi Malik that the protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was compromised by "greed."In her recently released book "Witness," Malik claimed that individuals close to Phogat and Bajrang Punia, another prominent wrestler, influenced them to seek exemption from Asian Games trials, tarnishing the image of the protests.Phogat vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that she and her fellow wrestlers fought for a just cause. She stated, "No one gave me anything in writing, nor can I assume someone's intentions. The good thing is that we fought for a good cause. If playing in the Olympics and winning a medal for our country is greed, then yes, I will carry that 'greed' till my last breath."Phogat further emphasized the importance of advocating for athletes' rights, saying, "If, as an athlete, speaking up for fellow athletes and standing by my sisters is greed, then I consider it a good kind of greed. The desire to play for the country should always remain."Malik, who was one of the key figures in the protests, alleged that the pursuit of personal interests had overshadowed the collective cause. She wrote in her book, "The old way of thinking selfishly was taking over once again. The people close to Bajrang and Vinesh had started filling their minds with greed. Now they were talking about this exemption from trials for the Games."Malik's claims have sparked controversy within the wrestling community. However, Phogat remains steadfast in her belief that the protests were driven by a genuine desire for change. She said, "What exactly is greed? If, as an athlete, speaking up for fellow athletes and standing by my sisters is greed, then I consider it a good kind of greed."The allegations and counter-allegations have cast a shadow over the wrestling community, raising questions about the integrity of the sport's governing body and the motivations of its athletes. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the future of Indian wrestling.

Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik has released her autobiography, "Witness," in which she shares her experiences as a wrestler and the challenges she faced throughout her career.Malik, along with Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, led a protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in 2021. However, she criticized Phogat and Punia's decision to accept exemption from the Asian Games trials, stating that it undermined the credibility of their protest.Malik also revealed that she was molested by her tuition teacher during her childhood but kept it a secret. She struggled with self-blame and fear, which affected her early wrestling career. Despite her physical abilities, she lacked the confidence to confront opponents.During the WFI protest, Malik expressed disappointment with the political class and accused Babita Phogat, a former wrestler and current BJP politician, of having selfish motives. She alleged that Phogat aimed to replace Sharan Singh rather than solely advocate for the protesters' demands.Malik also shared that her parents took away most of her award money and opposed her relationship with fellow wrestler Satyawart Kadian. However, she stood her ground and fought for her love.Malik's autobiography provides a candid account of her journey as a wrestler, the obstacles she overcame, and the controversies that shaped her career. It highlights the challenges faced by female athletes and the importance of speaking out against injustice.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has strongly criticized former wrestler Vinesh Phogat for blaming the association for her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Usha asserted that the responsibility lies with Phogat's team, not the IOA.Phogat, who recently entered politics and won her debut election in Haryana, had accused the IOA of mishandling her disqualification. However, Usha refuted these claims, stating that the IOA had provided Phogat with all the necessary support."She was a sportsperson. She should carry the qualities of a sportsman," Usha said. "We all wanted medals from her. After meeting her, we went to the World Wrestling Federation president to protest. They said, 'rules are rules.'"Usha emphasized that Phogat's team was aware of the weight regulations and should have taken appropriate measures to ensure compliance. "For us, it's new, only 100 gms, but for them it is not new. This had happened earlier as well so she should know what to do, and how to tackle it," Usha said.Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg category women's freestyle final for being 100 gm overweight in the second weigh-in. She challenged the verdict in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but was unsuccessful.Usha expressed disappointment that Phogat had chosen to criticize the IOA instead of acknowledging her own team's shortcomings. "It is not our or our sport science doctor's fault, it is her and her team's fault but still, she criticises us," Usha said.Phogat's disqualification ended her hopes of becoming the first woman Indian wrestler to win silver or gold in the Olympics. She announced her retirement from the sport shortly after the incident.

Six-time world champion boxer M C Mary Kom has weighed in on the controversy surrounding wrestler Vinesh Phogat's Olympic heartbreak, emphasizing the importance of weight management as an athlete's responsibility.Mary Kom, who is India's only woman boxer with an Olympic medal, expressed disappointment over Phogat's disqualification for being 100gm over the prescribed limit. She stressed that weight management is crucial for athletes and that it is their duty to adhere to the regulations."I felt so disappointed in the sense that I have also done the same (weight management) for the last so many years. Weight is important, that is my responsibility. I cannot blame anyone," Mary Kom said.She added, "I do not want to say this in her case. I am saying this in my case only. If I do not cut the weight properly then how will I play? I am there to win a medal and that is what I think."Mary Kom has previously spoken about her own weight cut routines and the challenges involved. She started her career as a pin-weight (46kg) boxer before moving to the flyweight (51kg) division.Phogat, who was considered a gold medal contender in Paris, went to extreme lengths to lose weight, including skipping meals and fluids, working out overnight, and cutting her hair. However, her efforts proved futile.She challenged her disqualification, calling the rules inhumane, but her appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Phogat subsequently retired from wrestling and joined politics, contesting the Haryana assembly elections on a Congress ticket.Mary Kom also expressed concern over India's poor performance in boxing at the Paris Olympics, where the contingent failed to win a single medal. She said she wants to meet with the national federation and sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya to discuss the issues and understand what went wrong."We know what the result was, it was so, so bad. I want to know what is lacking," Mary Kom said. "I will meet the boxers too if the situation demands. If the sports minister has the knowledge (about the issues) I want to discuss that also."Mary Kom reiterated her desire to continue boxing professionally and expressed her hope for opportunities to fight. "I have not retired yet but I want to compete. I am trying to get opportunities, waiting for my chance to fight pro. I just want to come back," she said.

Vinesh Phogat, a former Indian wrestler, has once again faced accusations of omitting her uncle Mahavir Phogat's name from her "thank you" note following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat qualified for the 50kg final but was disqualified for being 100gm overweight before the match.In a conversation on 'Top Angle With Sushant Sinha,' Babita Phogat, Mahavir Phogat's daughter and a former Indian wrestler, expressed her disappointment over Vinesh's omission. She revealed that Mahavir had fought tirelessly to preserve Vinesh's career and accused her cousin of ingratitude."I have seen my father cry just three times in my life. First, when me and my sisters got married. Second, when my uncle died and third, when Vinesh got disqualified from the Olympics," Babita said. "When my uncle died, Vinesh and both of her siblings suddenly quit wrestling. My father went to their house and fought with their mother to get them back to wrestling. Imagine how much he has worked to make Vinesh. But she thanked everyone except for that guru."The National Anti-Doping Authority (NADA) has also served a notice to Vinesh Phogat for a whereabouts failure. A team was sent to collect a urine sample from Phogat, who missed a medal in the Paris Olympics due to her disqualification, but she was not available at her residence.Vinesh Phogat, who made history by becoming the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the final of the Women's 50kg category in Paris, has been asked to respond to the notice within 14 days.The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about Vinesh Phogat's relationship with her family and her gratitude towards those who have supported her career.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has issued a notice to wrestler Vinesh Phogat for whereabouts failure. The notice, served on Wednesday, seeks an explanation from Phogat within 14 days.As a member of NADA's Registered Testing Pool (RTP), Phogat is required to provide details of her availability for dope tests. If she fails to provide accurate information or is not present at the specified location and time, it is considered a whereabouts failure.According to the notice, Phogat was not available for a dope test on September 9 at her residence in Kharkhoda village, Sonepat. The NADA notice states, "You are hereby given a formal notice to notify you about apparent failure to comply with the whereabouts requirements of the ADR, and to invite you to make any comments before we come to a final decision on the matter."Phogat has the option to accept the failure or provide evidence that she was present at the specified location for approximately 60 minutes. It is important to note that a single whereabouts failure does not constitute an anti-doping rule violation. However, three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period can lead to charges against an athlete.Phogat's whereabouts failure comes at a time when she is actively involved in politics. She recently joined the Congress party and is contesting the upcoming Haryana Assembly election from Julana constituency.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification Sparks Political Feud with Yogeshwar DuttVinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympic Games 2024 has ignited a heated debate in India, with fellow wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt criticizing her actions and calling for an apology.Phogat, who announced her retirement from wrestling after her disqualification, has since joined the Indian National Congress ahead of the upcoming Haryana elections. However, Dutt, who has also transitioned to politics, believes Phogat should have apologized for costing India a medal.In an interview with AajTak, Dutt expressed his disappointment with Phogat's behavior, both during the Olympic Games and the protests she participated in over the past year. He accused her of tarnishing India's image and creating a false narrative."She should have apologized to the entire nation for her mistakes," Dutt said. "Instead, she blamed a conspiracy and even dragged the Prime Minister into it. The disqualification was fair, and she should have accepted responsibility."Dutt also criticized Phogat's role in the protests, claiming that she misled people and created a negative atmosphere in the country."If I were in Vinesh's place, I would have apologized to the country," Dutt said. "She cost India a medal and then tried to justify her actions by spreading false information."Phogat has yet to respond to Dutt's comments, but her decision to join politics has raised questions about her motives. Some believe that she is using her platform to advance her political career, while others argue that she is genuinely committed to serving the people of Haryana.The feud between Phogat and Dutt highlights the growing divide within India's wrestling community. As the sport continues to gain popularity, it is likely that more wrestlers will enter the political arena, potentially leading to further clashes and controversies.

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who suffered a heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024, has embarked on a new chapter in her life by joining the Congress party and announcing her political debut.Phogat's decision to retire from wrestling after the Olympic setback has led her to seek a new path in politics. She has filed her nomination for the upcoming Haryana elections, contesting from the Julana Constituency in Jind.An affidavit submitted by Phogat during her nomination filing reveals insights into her financial status. She owns three cars: a Volvo XC 60 (valued at Rs 35 lakh), a Hyundai Creta (valued at Rs 12 lakh), and a Toyota Innova (valued at Rs 17 lakh). She is also repaying a loan related to one of her cars.Phogat's immovable property is valued at Rs 2 crore. She has Rs 1.95 lakh in hand and her Income Tax returns for the financial year 2023-24 show an income of Rs 13,85,000.Phogat's uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestling coach, expressed his support for her political aspirations. He stated that his daughter, Sangeeta Phogat, will now carry forward his dream of an Olympic medal in wrestling, as he prepares her for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Last Friday, Phogat and Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia (Sangeeta's husband) joined the Congress party. Phogat will make her electoral debut from Julana in Jind district.Mahavir Phogat emphasized that Sangeeta will now focus on the 2028 Olympics, as Vinesh's political career has opened up a new opportunity for her. He also mentioned that Babita Phogat's knee injuries have hindered her return to the mat.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has made startling revelations about her meeting with PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympics Association (IOA), following her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to a failed weigh-in.Phogat, who was admitted to a poly-clinic in the Olympics village after falling ill, claims that PT Usha's visit and subsequent social media post were insincere and exploitative. She alleges that Usha did not offer any meaningful support during her time of distress."I don't know what support I got there," Phogat said in an interview with a local news channel. "PT Usha madam visited me at the hospital. One photo was clicked... Like you said, in politics a lot happens behind closed doors. Similarly, politics happened there (in Paris) as well. That's why I was heartbroken."Phogat, who recently joined the Indian National Congress, expressed her disappointment with Usha's decision to share the photo on social media, claiming that it was a mere publicity stunt."You are on a hospital bed, where you don't know what's happening in life outside, you are going through one of the worst phases of your life. At that place, just to show everyone you are standing with me, aap bina bataye photo kheench rahe ho, fir social media pe daal ke bol rahe ho hum saath mein khade hain (clicked a photo without telling me and then putting it on social media to say you are standing with me)," Phogat said."That's not how you show support (pretending to). What was it more than (posturing)!"Phogat's allegations have raised questions about the integrity and transparency of the IOA and its leadership. Her claims have also sparked a debate about the treatment of athletes in India, particularly those who face setbacks or controversies.