CHANDIGARH, February 26 – Congress legislator and wrestling icon Vinesh Phogat issued a scathing indictment of the government’s sports policies, asserting that athletes have been relegated to the backburner. The absence of any reference to players in the Governor’s address drew her sharp ire.
‘Dismal conditions prevail in sports,’ Phogat articulated. ‘It’s tragic that athletes aren’t even mentioned in key speeches. This lack of priority is what I’ve been flagging consistently.’ She detailed rampant vacancies—about 1,000 coaching roles unfilled—and procurement halts for essential gear. ‘Government opacity reigns; they withhold data and offer ministers’ platitudes instead of action.’
Undeterred, Phogat vowed to maintain pressure tactics. ‘Our role is to persistently nudge them—remind sports ministers of their core duty to foster growth,’ she affirmed. ‘High hopes aside, accountability demands vigilance.’
Her comments follow a recent showdown with Haryana’s wrestling body, where she challenged biased selection norms for the 2026 Federation Cup. ‘Why restrict trials to 2025 state or international medal winners? This sidelines countless talented wrestlers who’ve toiled relentlessly,’ she argued, framing it as injustice to merit.
Phogat’s interventions highlight deeper malaise in Indian sports governance: underfunding, poor planning, and bureaucratic hurdles. With her blend of athletic pedigree and political clout, she’s positioning herself as a formidable advocate, potentially galvanizing reforms to revive a sector vital for national pride.