‘Will PM Modi call Vinesh Phogat?’ questions Congress’s Jairam Ramesh after ace wrestler secures silver at Olympics 2024

Vinesh Phogat scripted history on Tuesday after she entered the final round of women's wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024. Months ago the ace Indian was subject to massive trolling as she led the wrestlers' protest against BJP leader Brij Bhushan over allegations of sexual abuse. Phogat's achievement has stirred a massive reaction from the opposition leaders. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked if the PM will call Phogat for her achievement.

“Vinesh Phogat is assured of a silver or a gold medal at Paris. Will the non-biological PM call her? To congratulate her of course but more importantly to apologise for the atrocious manner in which the Delhi Police misbehaved with her during the women wrestlers protest?,” wrote Jairam Ramesh on X.

Vinesh Phogat and wrestlers protest against BJP Stalwart Brij Bhushan Singh

In January last year, Vinesh Phogat, along with ace wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, etc, began their protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President and BJP stalwart Brij Bhushan. The protest demanded his resignation from his post and a promise to ensure his least influence in the management of the sport in the country. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is a key BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh, is facing accusations of sexual abuse and intimidation. 

After a two-day protest, then Sports Minister Anurag Thakur assured wrestlers about forming an Oversight Committee (OC) to investigate the case further. The wrestlers continued their protest even after Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan, was elected as the new president of the WFI in December last year. 

Disappointed with government inaction in the case, Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from the sport, whereas, Vinesh and Bajrang returned their Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards to the government. PM Modi-led government drew massive scrutiny in India and worldwide because of wrestlers' protests. 

Vinesh Phogat's powerful comeback

Vinesh Phogat made a powerful comeback this year. The Indian grappler won the lighter division of the selection trials for the Asian wrestling championships and Asian Olympic Games qualifier in March this year. In April 2024, she qualified her spot at the Paris Olympics. Now, the ace wrestler has scripted history by becoming the first woman to enter into finals in Wrestling at Paris Olympics.