Initially Dismissed, Now Requesting: Yogeshwar Dutt Critiques Vinesh Phogat for Seeking Silver Medallist Privileges
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Synopsis
Yogeshwar Dutt ridicules Vinesh Phogat for her previous rejection of state benefits, now seeking them back. He emphasizes the need for humility and respect in sports, highlighting her recent appeal to the Haryana government for recognition as an Olympic silver medallist.
Key Takeaways
- Yogeshwar Dutt criticizes Vinesh Phogat for her past arrogance.
- Phogat is now requesting benefits she previously rejected.
- Dutt emphasizes the importance of humility in athletes.
- The Haryana government offers significant rewards for Olympic silver medallists.
- Phogat's political career follows her disqualification at the Paris Olympics.
Chandigarh, March 31 (NationPress) Olympic bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt made a pointed remark on Monday regarding wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat, criticizing her for her previous 'haughtiness' and ridiculing her for now seeking state benefits that she had earlier dismissed in a 'fit of arrogance'.
Dutt, when speaking to IANS, stated that Vinesh had previously exhibited a lack of respect for the state's recognition but was now appealing to the government for the same.
In a prior post on X, he noted, “Time is an influential force. Those who, out of arrogance, declared they would return prize money to the government are now asking for the same amount in the Assembly.
This situation involves Haryana's wrestler-turned-legislator Vinesh Phogat, who recently sought benefits comparable to those of an Olympic silver medallist from the state government during the Budget Session.
Phogat, serving as a Congress MLA for the Julana constituency, called for the state honour during her Assembly speech, reminding Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of his commitment to provide her with silver medallist recognition.
In response to Phogat’s appeal, Yogeshwar Dutt remarked that athletes deserve recognition and respect from the government, but they must also reciprocate in acknowledging honours and gestures.
“Consider what you asserted four months ago and reflect on what you seek today,” he said, criticizing Vinesh’s earlier dismissal.
“One must maintain a connection to their roots and avoid being consumed by arrogance,” he advised fellow athletes.
According to Haryana's sports policy, an Olympic silver medallist is entitled to a cash award of Rs 4 crore, a prestigious job under Group 'A', and the allocation of a plot under the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran.
The state government has instructed the wrestler-turned-politician to choose one option from the three available.
Phogat ventured into politics after her final match in the Paris Olympics ended in disappointment, resulting in her disqualification due to exceeding the weight limit.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat reached the finals in the 50-kg category but was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight.
At that time, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini described her as Haryana’s daughter and India’s pride.
“Vinesh Phogat will receive all benefits accorded to a silver medallist from the government,” he had stated in a post on X.
