Responding to the news of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining the Indian National Congress ahead of the Haryana Assembly Polls, Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik stated that she will not be taking a political plunge like her comrades. Malik, who was at the forefront of the protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, stated that her fight was against him alone and she remains apolitical in order to stay true to the cause of women in wrestling. She also emphasized on the importance of continuing their agitation until the exploitation of women in the sport ends.
Political Divide in Indian Wrestling: Phogat and Punia Join Congress, Malik Remains Apolitical
In a significant development in Indian sports and politics, Olympic medalists Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Indian National Congress ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly Polls. However, fellow Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik has declined to follow suit, opting to remain apolitical.
Background
The decision by Phogat and Punia to enter politics comes amidst a period of turmoil in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). In January 2023, several prominent wrestlers, including Phogat and Malik, staged a protest against then-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment and financial irregularities. The protest culminated in Singh's resignation and the appointment of a new WFI president.
Phogat and Punia's Decision
Phogat and Punia have both expressed a desire to contribute to the development of sports and the welfare of Indian athletes through their involvement in politics. Phogat, a two-time Olympic medalist, stated that she was "inspired by the Congress's commitment to women's empowerment and social justice." Punia, a three-time Olympian, said he hoped to "use his platform to bring about positive change in Haryana and India."
Malik's Response
In contrast to Phogat and Punia, Sakshi Malik has chosen to remain apolitical. She clarified that her fight against Singh was specific to his alleged misconduct and not a broader political issue. Malik emphasized her commitment to continuing the agitation against the exploitation of women in wrestling and her belief that she could achieve more through her activism.
FAQs
1. Why did Phogat and Punia join Congress?
They cited the party's commitment to women's empowerment and social justice as factors in their decision.
2. Why did Sakshi Malik decline to join Congress?
She stated that her fight against Singh was specific to him and she remains apolitical to remain true to the cause of women in wrestling.
3. What was the basis of the wrestlers' protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh?
They accused Singh of sexual harassment, financial irregularities, and autocratic leadership.
4. What has happened to Singh since the protest?
He resigned as WFI president and is currently facing an investigation by an oversight committee appointed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
5. Will Sakshi Malik continue her activism against exploitation in wrestling?
Yes, she has emphasized her commitment to continuing the agitation until the problem is resolved.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Manchester United are keen on bolstering their attacking options and have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt to secure the signing of Hugo Ekitike. They have also managed to secure the future of promising young defender Jayden Ngwashi amidst interest from other top European clubs. While talks with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo continue, it seems like United are determined to add a new striker to their squad.
On June 27, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union revealed the regional softball pairings for the upcoming tournament. The games are scheduled to take place on specific dates in July, depending on the class division. The state tournament will be held in Fort Dodge later in July for all classes.
The Club World Cup round of 16 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami was marred by controversial moments, including a yellow card for Inter Miami's Luis Suarez and a questionable injury for Oscar Ustari. Ultimately, it was a goal from PSG's Joao Neves that sealed Inter Miami's fate, while tensions on the field were highlighted by a signal from PSG's Willian Pacho towards Inter Miami's Lionel Messi. With this loss, Inter Miami's dream of a Champions League title has come to an abrupt end.
The Club World Cup round of 16 match between Inter Miami and Paris Saint-Germain saw PSG, with a former star player Lionel Messi, dominate and win 4-0. Defensive struggles and an early injury to Miami's defender Noah Allen contributed to their downfall. Messi and his team spent most of the first half in their own territory, while PSG's forward line continued to excel offensively. This loss ends Miami's run in the Club World Cup.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri led McLaren to victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari completing the podium. The win helped Norris narrow the gap to Piastri in the drivers' standings, while McLaren now has a total of 374 points in the team tally. Despite the tough conditions, Norris and Piastri battled it out to secure the 1-2 finish for McLaren, while Red Bull's Max Verstappen suffered a disappointing race and is now 61 points behind Piastri in the overall standings.
In this highly anticipated Club World Cup match, the renowned Lionel Messi will lead his team, Inter Miami, against the star-studded PSG. Fans can expect live updates, detailed match commentary, and stunning photos as the two teams go head to head in the round of 16. Stay tuned for all the action and drama as it unfolds between these top football clubs.
The Austrian Grand Prix 2025 at Red Bull Ring made for a chaotic start as Red Bull's ace driver Max Verstappen and Mercedes' newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli crashed on the first lap itself. This left the race in disarray, with McLaren's Lando Norris starting in pole position and Mercedes' Antonelli in P9. The crash has raised questions about Verstappen's future and Antonelli's prospects. However, Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner has put an end to rumors of Verstappen's move to Mercedes, reminding everyone that he is contracted with Red Bull for a few more years. Stay updated on all the latest news from India and across the world on News24 through our social media handles on Facebook and Twitter.
At the Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli was handed a three-place grid drop for the British Grand Prix after causing a spectacular crash with Formula One champion Max Verstappen. This incident happened during the opening lap of the race, as Antonelli lost control and took out Verstappen, who was unable to continue. The reckless collision adds another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between the two top drivers.
Lando Norris triumphed in a thrilling battle against team-mate Oscar Piastri at the Austrian Grand Prix, clinching his third victory of the F1 2025 season. Norris' win has narrowed Piastri's lead in the Drivers' standings to just 15 points, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also joining the McLaren duo on the podium with a third-place finish. The heated competition between the two McLaren drivers was evident in the post-race conversations, with Norris playfully remarking on the battle and showing off his damaged wing. Full statistics for the team-mates' performances in qualifying and the race are also provided for further analysis.
Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming British Grand Prix, after causing a collision with Max Verstappen on the opening lap of the Austrian GP. The FIA determined that Antonelli was fully at fault for the incident, which also resulted in two penalty points. The young driver took immediate responsibility and is focused on moving forward and redeeming himself at the next race.