As the Haryana elections loom, a storm has erupted over Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification at the Paris Olympics. While Phogat is a celebrated athlete, her unfortunate exit from the competition due to a weight category issue has sparked a political furor. With Opposition parties, particularly Congress, quick to latch onto the controversy, the story has spiralled into accusations of political conspiracies, government inaction, and attempts to gain electoral mileage. But the narrative took a sharp turn when another sports legend, Mary Kom, weighed in. Known for her candour and sporting achievements, Mary Kom dismissed the political grandstanding and emphasized what matters most in competitive sports – responsibility. Her remarks, coming just before Haryana heads to the polls, have cast a new light on the entire controversy. Phogat’s disqualification in the 50 kg weight category due to being a few kilograms over the limit was an unfortunate incident that caught national attention. The disqualification cost her a shot at an Olympic medal, and the disappointment was palpable across the country. However, the Congress-led Opposition quickly turned this personal setback into a political drama, accusing the government of undermining her chances. The timing couldn’t have been more suspicious. Phogat had earlier voiced concerns about the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), accusing its then-president, a BJP MP, of mismanagement and misconduct. The allegations were serious and garnered widespread attention, putting the BJP in a difficult position ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The opposition claimed that the government had a role in Phogat’s disqualification, portraying it as an act of revenge for the allegations she made against the WFI chief. The optics were damaging for the Modi government, with allegations that its handling of the situation reflected poorly on its treatment of athletes who have brought glory to the nation. The presence of farm leaders like Rakesh Tikait at the protests, alongside male wrestlers supporting their female counterparts, added to the political nature of the incident. While Phogat’s concerns about the WFI’s leadership were legitimate, the subsequent protests by the wrestlers raised eyebrows. Phogat and her peers even went as far as threatening to throw their medals into the Ganges, a symbolic but dramatic gesture aimed at garnering public sympathy. Yet, critics questioned the timing and intent behind these protests. Was this truly about justice, or was there a larger political agenda at play? The Congress and other opposition parties found in this controversy an opportunity to attack the BJP. However, despite their efforts, Narendra Modi’s BJP-led NDA retained power in the elections, albeit with some electoral setbacks. The public saw through the theatrics, but not before the controversy had dealt some damage to the government’s image. Enter Mary Kom. With a legacy of discipline, hard work, and sporting excellence, Kom brings a unique perspective to the table. While acknowledging Phogat’s prowess and resilience, Mary Kom highlighted a fundamental truth: weight management is the sole responsibility of the athlete. No amount of political finger-pointing or conspiracy theories can change the basic rules of competitive sports.
Mary Kom’s blunt statement cuts through the noise. Athletes, especially at the level Phogat competes, know the critical importance of making weight for competitions. While the Modi government did its best to appeal Phogat’s disqualification, even employing renowned lawyer Harish Salve to take up the case, the Olympic rules are rigid, and the appeal was lost. Ultimately, Phogat’s failure to meet the weight requirement is a personal responsibility, not a political plot. Mary Kom’s intervention comes at a crucial time, just as Phogat, who has now entered the political arena under the Congress banner, campaigns for the upcoming Haryana polls. Kom’s comments could potentially undercut Phogat’s narrative, as voters are reminded that the issue was never about government interference but about an athlete’s responsibility. This controversy is a microcosm of the larger political dynamics in India today. The Congress and its allies have repeatedly tried to frame every misstep or unfortunate incident involving public figures as a government conspiracy. But voters are beginning to see through these tactics. Mary Kom’s candid remarks are likely to resonate with those who believe in personal accountability and detest political opportunism. Phogat’s disqualification and the subsequent political drama underscore the dangers of mixing sports with politics. While athletes should be supported and their grievances addressed, turning every setback into a political conspiracy serves no one. Mary Kom’s intervention is a timely reminder that in sports, as in life, responsibility begins with oneself. As the Haryana elections unfold, it remains to be seen whether voters will side with Phogat’s narrative or heed Mary Kom’s call for accountability.
