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Key Points

Olympic bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt has publicly criticized fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat for seeking state benefits after previously rejecting them. Phogat, now a Congress MLA, is requesting benefits equivalent to an Olympic silver medallist from the Haryana government. Dutt highlighted her change in attitude, suggesting she has lost touch with her roots and become arrogant. The dispute reflects broader tensions in Indian sports politics and athlete recognition.

Key Points: Yogeshwar Dutt Mocks Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Benefits Plea

  • Vinesh Phogat disqualified from Paris Olympics after weight issue
  • Seeking silver medallist benefits from Haryana government
  • Yogeshwar Dutt criticizes her change of stance
  • Political tensions emerge over sports policy
2 min read

First rejected, now pleading: Yogeshwar Dutt mocks Vinesh Phogat for seeking silver medallist benefits

Olympic wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt criticizes Vinesh Phogat for seeking state benefits after previously rejecting them in a heated public exchange

First rejected, now pleading: Yogeshwar Dutt mocks Vinesh Phogat for seeking silver medallist benefits
"Time is very powerful. Those who, out of arrogance, talked about throwing back prize money in the government's face, are today pleading for the same amount - Yogeshwar Dutt"

Chandigarh, March 31

Olympic bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt on Monday took a sharp dig at wrestler-turned politician Vinesh Phogat over her ‘haughtiness’ and mocked her for reclaiming the state benefits which she rejected earlier in a ‘fit of arrogance’.

Yogeshwar Dutt, speaking to IANS, said that Vinesh showed disdain and disrespect for the state honour earlier, but now was pleading with the government for the same.

Earlier in a post on X, he wrote, “Time is very powerful. Those who, out of arrogance, talked about throwing back prize money in the government’s face, are today pleading for the same amount in the Assembly.

The matter pertains to Haryana wrestler-turned-legislator Vinesh Phogat, seeking benefits equivalent to an Olympic silver medallist from the state government, during the Budget Session recently.

Phogat, a Congress MLA from Julana constituency, raised demands for the state honour during her speech in the Assembly recently, reminding Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to honour his promise of providing her the silver medallist treatment.

Responding to Phogat’s request, Yogeshwar Dutt said that sportspersons deserve appreciation and admiration from the government, but they should also be reciprocal in acceptance of honour as well as gestures.

“Look at what you said four months ago and see what you are seeking today,” he said, taking a swipe at Vinesh’s rejection.

“One must stay connected to roots and not get overwhelmed with arrogance,” he said, in a piece of advice to fellow sportspersons.

Under Haryana's sports policy, an Olympic silver medallist is entitled to get a cash prize of Rs 4 crore, an outstanding sportsperson job under Group 'A', and the allotment of a Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran plot.

The state government has asked the wrestler-turned-politician to opt for anyone from the three choices.

Phogat had taken the political plunge after her final bout in the Paris Olympics ended up in a fiasco, leading to her disqualification due to excess weight.

During the Paris Olympics in 2024, Vinesh Phogat reached the finals in the 50-kg weight category but was found 100 grams overweight and hence disqualified.

Then, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini had described her as Haryana’s daughter and India’s pride.

“Vinesh Phogat will receive all benefits given to a silver medallist from the government,” he had written in a post on X.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This whole situation is so disappointing. Vinesh is an incredible athlete who represented India with pride. Why can't we just support our sportspersons instead of public shaming? 🤦‍♂️
P
Priya S.
While I respect Yogeshwar Dutt's achievements, this public mocking feels unnecessary. People change their minds - that's just human nature. The government made a promise and should honor it.
A
Amit R.
I think both sides have valid points. Athletes should be humble, but the government should also be consistent with their policies. The weight issue in Paris was heartbreaking - she deserved better support.
S
Sunita M.
As a woman athlete myself, I know how hard Vinesh worked. That 100g disqualification was cruel. She fought her way to finals and the CM promised silver medallist benefits. Why make her beg for what was promised? 😠
V
Vikram J.
Respectfully, Vinesh could have handled the initial rejection better. But Yogeshwar's comments seem more about settling scores than giving constructive advice. Our sports legends should lift each other up, not tear down.
N
Neha P.
The real issue is our sports policies need clarity. Why make athletes jump through hoops for what they've earned? Vinesh brought glory to India - just give her the benefits without this drama! 🙏

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