New Delhi: Former wrestler and now legislator Vinesh Phogat has announced her plans to use the awarded by the Haryana Government to establish a world-class sports academy for young athletes.
Phogat received the amount as per Haryana’s top-tier sports policy, which allows athletes to choose from land, a government job, or monetary compensation. The policy offers Rs 6 crore for Olympic gold, Rs 4 crore for silver, and Rs 2.5 crore for bronze medal winners. Although Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg category for marginally exceeding the weight limit, she was still granted the silver medalist reward.
Phogat’s vision for the future
The wrestler, who has since retired and entered public service, shared her decision on social media.
“Respect for an athlete’s hard work-that is the real victory. The public has given me so much love, respect, trust, courage, and strength. Now it’s time to repay all of that,”she wrote on X.
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She said her journey had now moved beyond her own achievements to supporting the dreams of others.
“As a public representative and someone who has been through the struggles I have, my responsibilities are no longer just as an athlete, but also towards the thousands of dreams that aim to build a future through sports in a safe and supportive environment.”
Phogat explained that the idea of building an academy had long been close to her heart.
“It has always been my dream to provide better facilities and a positive sports environment for the next generation of athletes. That time has now come. I will always be grateful for the honour and recognition given to me by the people and the Government of Haryana for my performance in the Olympics,”she posted.
She further added, “The prize money granted by the government is not just a reward-it is an opportunity, a means to realise the dream I have nurtured for years. That is why this prize money will be used to establish an international-level sports academy, where young athletes can take their talent to new heights with world-class resources.”
Appeal for public support
Phogat also called upon the public to join her in turning the vision into reality.
“An academy where young players are not held back by a lack of facilities, and where they receive the respect and inspiration that every hard-working athlete rightfully deserves. For this reason, I will need your support-because this dream doesn’t belong to just me, it belongs to all of us, and making it come true is a responsibility we all share.”
Heartbreak at the Paris Olympics
Phogat made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, but was disqualified from the gold medal bout after failing her second weigh-in. She missed the 50kg limit by just over 100 grams, bringing her gold medal hopes to an abrupt end.
Following her disqualification, she appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to allow a joint silver medal in the 50kg category. However, the appeal was dismissed. She later announced her retirement and made her political debut, winning a seat in the Haryana State Assembly.