Vinesh Phogat Resigns from Indian Railways Amid Congress Speculation

Vinesh Phogat Resigns from Indian Railways Amid Congress Speculation

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has resigned from her position as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with the Indian Railways, citing personal reasons. The resignation comes amid speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.

Phogat, 30, is a renowned wrestler who has won numerous medals at the international level, including a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. She was disqualified from the 50kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics for being overweight by 100 grams, a decision that she appealed against but was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In her resignation letter, Phogat expressed her gratitude to the Indian Railways for the opportunity to serve the nation. She stated that she was unable to perform her duties as OSD due to family circumstances and personal reasons. She requested that her resignation be accepted with immediate effect and that one month’s salary be deposited in lieu of her one month’s notice period.

Phogat’s resignation has sparked speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the Haryana assembly elections next month. She met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week, leading to widespread rumors of her political ambitions.

If Phogat does join the Congress party, it would be a significant boost for the party’s campaign in Haryana. She is a popular figure in the state and has a strong following among the youth. Her decision to enter politics could also inspire other athletes to consider a career in public service.

Sangram Singh Makes Historic MMA Debut at Gama International Fighting Championship

Sangram Singh Makes Historic MMA Debut at Gama International Fighting Championship

Sangram Singh, India’s pioneering male wrestler and former ambassador of the Wrestling Federation of India, is embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career. On September 21, he will step into the octagon at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, to face Ali Raza Nasir of Pakistan.

This momentous occasion marks Singh’s transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts (MMA), a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport. Singh envisions a future where Indian athletes excel on the global MMA stage and have ample opportunities to develop their careers.

“My journey from wrestling to MMA isn’t just for me,” Singh said. “I hope to build the sport in India and pave the way for our young fighters to compete internationally. I want to inspire them to believe that with hard work and determination, they too can achieve greatness.”

Singh’s foray into MMA is not merely a personal pursuit but also a strategic move to elevate the sport in India. He believes that MMA has the potential to revolutionize combat sports, including boxing and wrestling.

“As a sportsman, it’s essential to stay abreast of the latest trends in the sport,” Singh explained. “MMA is gaining immense popularity worldwide, and I see it having a significant impact on the entire combat sports landscape.”

Singh’s impressive wrestling credentials have earned him accolades both nationally and internationally. His transition to MMA is expected to further enhance the stature of Indian athletes in the global combat sports community.

Growing up, Singh was inspired by his brother’s wrestling prowess. Despite being diagnosed with arthritis, he overcame adversity to become a world-renowned wrestler. In 2012, he was crowned the World’s Best Professional Wrestler, and he also triumphed in the 2015 and 2016 Commonwealth Heavyweight Championships.

Throughout his career, Singh has been a role model and motivator for countless young people. His success in wrestling and his subsequent transition to MMA demonstrate his unwavering determination and his commitment to promoting combat sports in India.

Sakshi Malik's Memoir: An Honest Account of a Wrestling Icon's Journey

Sakshi Malik’s Memoir: An Honest Account of a Wrestling Icon’s Journey

Sakshi Malik, one of India’s most celebrated women wrestlers, is set to release her highly anticipated memoir, “Witness,” in October. Co-authored by Jonathan Selvaraj and published by Juggernaut Books, the book promises an “honest account” of Malik’s life, both on and off the mat.

From her humble beginnings in Rohtak to her historic bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Malik’s memoir chronicles her journey with raw honesty. She delves into the challenges she faced as a woman wrestler in India, including body image issues, financial struggles, and the complexities of dating.

Malik also sheds light on the inner workings of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), revealing the recent public battle that played out on the streets of New Delhi. Her insights into the world of women’s wrestling in India are both fascinating and eye-opening.

“It’s a really honest account of my life – the highs, lows, and everything in between,” Malik says of her literary venture. “I gave this book my all and I hope readers like it.”

Chiki Sarkar, publisher of Juggernaut Books, describes “Witness” as “one of the great memoirs of our time.” She adds, “Sakshi has written a no-holds barred book that not only talks about her struggles with the WFI but also brings vividly alive her childhood, the world of wrestling, and what it takes to be an Olympic medalist.”

Malik’s memoir is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of sports, women’s empowerment, and the human journey.

Ravi Dahiya Eyes Comeback in Higher Weight Category for LA28 Olympics

Ravi Dahiya Eyes Comeback in Higher Weight Category for LA28 Olympics

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, sidelined for an extended period due to a knee injury, is eyeing a comeback next year in a higher weight category. Despite losing to Aman Sehrawat in the Olympic selection trials for the 57kg weight class, Dahiya remains determined to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Dahiya’s decision to change weight classes stems from his physical attributes. Tall and lean, he has struggled to maintain the 57kg weight limit. The next Olympic weight class, 65kg, is currently occupied by Bajrang Punia, who won bronze in Tokyo.

“I will not fight in the same weight category,” Dahiya told HT. “I will change my weight division but I am waiting to see whether there will be any changes in weight classes and depending on that I will take a call.”

Dahiya’s recovery from his knee injury is ongoing, and he expects to be fully fit within the next few months. He is currently focused on strengthening his muscles and will return to the mat when medically cleared.

Meanwhile, Aman Sehrawat, who won bronze in the 57kg weight class at the Paris Olympics, has credited Dahiya for his guidance and support. “He told me not to think of doing anything different at the Olympics. Remember your strengths and don’t get drawn into the tactics of the opponents,” Sehrawat said.

Dahiya praised Sehrawat for his Olympic medal, calling him “the youngest medallist from India.” He advised Sehrawat to aim for a gold medal in Los Angeles.

Tokyo Olympian Deepak Punia, who missed the Paris qualification tournament due to unforeseen circumstances, has remained positive despite the setback. “It was very disappointing, but I thought it was not in my hands. My job is to keep performing,” Punia said.

Punia, along with Dahiya and Sehrawat, shared their experiences and motivational advice with young wrestlers and track and field athletes at an event hosted by the Superpositivity Foundation.

WFI President Optimistic About Women's Wrestling Medals in 2028 Olympics

WFI President Optimistic About Women’s Wrestling Medals in 2028 Olympics

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, Sanjay Singh, has expressed optimism about India’s potential to win multiple medals in women’s wrestling at the 2028 Olympic Games. However, he emphasized the need for certain institutions to cease interfering in the federation’s operations.

Despite the International Wrestling Federation (UWW) lifting its suspension of WFI in February, the Indian Sports Ministry continues to keep the federation suspended. The suspension was imposed in December 2022 following the announcement of U-15 and U-20 Nationals hours after the election of Sanjay Singh as President.

Singh believes that if WFI is allowed to function independently, India can achieve significant success in women’s wrestling. He pointed to the recent triumph of India’s U17 women’s team at the World Championships, where five wrestlers emerged as world champions.

Singh also urged Vinesh Phogat to reconsider her retirement decision. Phogat announced her retirement after failing to medal at the Paris Olympics due to a weight disqualification. Singh believes that Phogat’s experience and inspiration would be invaluable to the next generation of wrestlers.

Reflecting on the wrestlers’ movement in 2023, Singh acknowledged that it has taught WFI a valuable lesson. He believes that the movement, which was sparked by allegations of sexual harassment against the then WFI president, was politically motivated and hindered India’s Olympic performance.

Singh emphasized the importance of separating wrestling from politics and announced plans to establish a wrestling academy in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He is optimistic that the academy will foster the development of young wrestlers and contribute to India’s future success in the sport.

Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification Raises Questions About UWW Rules and Indian Support

Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification Raises Questions About UWW Rules and Indian Support

In the aftermath of Vinesh Phogat’s controversial disqualification from the Paris Olympics, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling has raised questions about the fairness and validity of the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules.

CAS arbitrator Annabelle Bennett acknowledged the “cryptic” nature of the second-day weigh-in list that disqualified Vinesh and criticized the “infelicitous” language of the UWW rules. She also deemed the consequences of the failed weigh-in as “draconian,” suggesting a more equitable solution could have been to eliminate Vinesh from the round she was ineligible for, rather than punishing her for rounds she had already competed in.

However, Bennett noted that the validity or reasoning behind the UWW’s rules was not challenged before CAS. This raises concerns about the lack of scrutiny given to the rules that ultimately led to Vinesh’s disqualification.

The UWW’s rules have been criticized for being loosely drafted and inconsistent. At the Paris Olympics, the team leader guide cited outdated rules, highlighting the need for clearer and more transparent regulations.

The article also questions the delayed legal response from Indian authorities to Vinesh’s disqualification. Despite the urgency of the situation, it took over eight hours for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to file a legal protest. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the support system for Indian athletes at major sporting events.

Furthermore, the official Paris 2024 website and UWW’s final results book offer conflicting information about Vinesh’s absence from the brackets ladder. This lack of clarity adds to the confusion surrounding her disqualification.

The CAS ruling and subsequent analysis have highlighted the need for a thorough review of the UWW’s rules and the support mechanisms for Indian athletes. It remains to be seen whether the IOA or the Ministry of Sports will pursue further legal recourse or take steps to address the concerns raised by Vinesh’s disqualification.

Indian Wrestler Aman Sehrawat Meets 'Jethalal' from Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasmah

Indian Wrestler Aman Sehrawat Meets ‘Jethalal’ from Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasmah

Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat, who made history by becoming the youngest-ever individual Olympic medallist from India at the recently-concluded Paris Olympic Games, fulfilled a dream by meeting Dilip Joshi, the lead actor from the popular comedy show Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasmah.

Sehrawat, who won a bronze medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling category, had expressed his admiration for the show after his victory. Just days after the conclusion of the Games, he had the opportunity to meet ‘Jethalal’ (Dilip Joshi) in person. To the delight of fans on social media, Joshi presented Sehrawat with traditional Gujarati snacks, jalebi and fafda.

“When I am not wrestling, I love to watch ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’,” Sehrawat had said after winning the bronze medal in Paris.

Sehrawat’s journey to the podium was not without its challenges. He defeated Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz 13-5 in the bronze medal match after losing against Japanese top-seed Rei Higuchi 0-10 in the semifinal. Despite the setback, Sehrawat remained determined to make history.

“I would like to thank all the citizens of the country for their support at the Paris Olympics,” Sehrawat said. “However, I was not able to bring a gold medal to the country, but my next target is the Los Angeles Olympics. I will give my 100 percent to change the color of the medal. Next time, I will definitely bring back a gold medal.”

Sehrawat’s bronze medal is the eighth Olympic medal for India in wrestling, extending its bid as the second most successful sport for the country in the Olympics behind hockey. His performance has inspired a new generation of wrestlers and has brought pride to the nation.

Olympic Wrestler Aman Sehrawat Meets TV Icon Dilip Joshi in Heartwarming Encounter

Olympic Wrestler Aman Sehrawat Meets TV Icon Dilip Joshi in Heartwarming Encounter

In a heartwarming encounter, Olympic bronze medalist wrestler Aman Sehrawat met with renowned television actor Dilip Joshi, known for his iconic role as Jethalal in the popular sitcom “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.” The meeting, which took place recently, was a testament to the mutual admiration between the two personalities from different worlds.

Sehrawat, a 21-year-old grappler, shared the news of his meeting with Joshi on Instagram, posting a series of six pictures that captured the joyful moments. The images showcased the warm conversation between the two, with one standout image featuring Sehrawat proudly displaying his Olympic medal alongside the beloved actor. In another image, Joshi can be seen presenting the famous jalebi and fafda snacks to Sehrawat, which are a favorite of Joshi’s character (Taarak Mehta) in the show as well.

The meeting was made even more special when Joshi presented Sehrawat with a hamper of Jalebi-Fafda, a traditional Gujarati snack, to celebrate the wrestler’s Olympic success. The actor, equally delighted by the meeting, later shared Sehrawat’s Instagram post on his own story, expressing his admiration for the young athlete.

For the unversed, Sehrawat had confessed in a recent interview that he is a long-time fan of Dilip Joshi and his show. In fact, Sehrawat went on to say that Joshi’s show is the only program that he watches on television and is his go-to show for relaxation during his downtime from wrestling.

The encounter between the Olympian and the television star has struck a chord with fans, blending the worlds of sports and entertainment in a celebration of mutual respect and admiration. The images of the meeting have been widely shared on social media, garnering praise and appreciation from fans of both Sehrawat and Joshi.

Indian Women Wrestlers Dominate at Under-17 World Championships

Indian Women Wrestlers Dominate at Under-17 World Championships

Indian women wrestlers have made a remarkable impact at the Under-17 World Championships, with four athletes securing spots in the title contention. Aditi Kumari, Neha, Pulkit, and Mansi Lather have showcased their dominance in their respective weight categories.

Aditi Kumari, competing in the 43kg division, displayed exceptional skills in her victories over Ukraine’s Karolina Shperyk and Egypt’s Marriem Mohamed Abdelaal. She advanced to the semifinals with an impressive 8-2 win, setting up a thrilling encounter with Maria Louiza Gkika from Greece in the final.

In the 57kg category, Neha has been unstoppable, not conceding a single point in her path to the semifinals. She pinned her Greek opponent Mairi Mani and secured a technical superiority victory against Georgia’s Miranda Kapanadze. Neha’s impressive run continued with an 8-4 triumph over Kazakhstan’s Anna Stratan, earning her a spot in the final against Japan’s So Tsuitsui.

Pulkit, competing in the 65kg division, has also been a force to reckon with. She dominated China’s Ling Cai with a ‘win by fall’ and followed it up with a commanding 9-0 victory against Juliana Catanzaro. Pulkit’s dominance extended to her match against Egypt’s Maram Ibrahim Aly, whom she blanked 3-0 to secure her place in the gold-medal bout. She will face Daria Frolova of Ukraine on Thursday.

Mansi Lather has been equally impressive in the 73kg category, conceding only two points throughout her journey to the final. She defeated Lotta Englich, Piper Meredith Fowler, and Khrystyna Demchuk with ease, setting up a showdown with Hanna Pirskaya in the title match.

In the Greco-Roman bronze medal play-off, Ronak, ranked second in the world, showcased his skills by comfortably defeating Turkey’s Emrullah Capkan 6-1. This victory marked India’s first medal at the championship. Sainath Pardhi added to India’s tally by beating Kazakhstan’s Mussan Yerassyl in the 51kg bronze play-off.

The Indian women wrestlers’ exceptional performances at the Under-17 World Championships have brought pride to the nation and showcased the rising talent in the sport. Their determination and hard work have paved the way for potential gold medals and further success in the future.

Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification Overshadows Indian Olympic Success

Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification Overshadows Indian Olympic Success

Ace Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended in heartbreak despite her valiant efforts. After reaching the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event, Vinesh was disqualified due to a failed weigh-in by a mere 100 grams. The devastating news shattered the hopes of the entire nation, which had pinned its hopes on her for a medal.

Vinesh’s disqualification sparked outrage and disappointment, leading her to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). However, the verdict went against her, further dampening her spirits. Despite the bitter turn of events, Vinesh’s determination and resilience have earned her the admiration and respect of her countrymen.

While Vinesh may not have officially secured a medal in Paris, her performance has significantly boosted her brand value. According to the Economic Times, her fee for endorsement deals has skyrocketed, reflecting her increased popularity and marketability. Before the Olympics, Vinesh reportedly charged around INR 25 lakh per deal. However, she now commands a fee in the range of INR 75 lakh to 1 crore from a single brand.

Vinesh’s success has also inspired other Indian athletes. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, returned home with a silver medal from Paris. Despite failing to repeat his gold medal performance, Chopra’s brand value has soared by 30-40%, reaching an estimated USD 40 million or INR 330 crore.

Manu Bhaker, another Indian shooting sensation, bagged two bronze medals in Paris. Her impressive performance has led to a surge in her brand value, resulting in a lucrative INR 1.5 crore deal with ThumbsUp. Before the Olympics, Manu charged around INR 25 lakh per endorsement deal. However, her Olympic success has seen her fee increase by six times.

The success of Vinesh, Neeraj, and Manu has not only brought glory to India but has also had a positive impact on the sports industry. Their achievements have inspired young athletes and ignited a passion for sports in the hearts of millions of Indians.

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