Haryana Cabinet Grants Cong MLA Vinesh Phogat Olympic Silver Medallist Benefits
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Synopsis
On March 25, Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini confirmed that Vinesh Phogat, a Congress MLA, will receive benefits comparable to an Olympic Silver medallist. This decision acknowledges her achievements despite being disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to a procedural issue.
Key Takeaways
- Vinesh Phogat will receive Olympic Silver medallist benefits.
- The decision was made by Haryana's State Cabinet.
- Phogat had raised this issue in the Vidhan Sabha.
- The state government will ask for her preferences on the benefits.
- Benefits include cash, a job, and land plot options.
Chandigarh, March 25 (NationPress) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Tuesday that the State Cabinet has resolved to grant wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat benefits equivalent to those of an Olympic Silver medallist under the state's sports policy.
Phogat, a Congress MLA representing Julana in the Jind district, had recently brought this issue to light in the Vidhan Sabha.
Taking her situation into account, the State Cabinet made an exception for Phogat and decided to extend the benefits as per the policy, according to an official statement.
As Phogat is currently an MLA, the state government will inquire about her preferences regarding the benefits she wishes to receive, the statement added.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state's sports policy offers three types of benefits: a cash prize of Rs 4 crore, an Outstanding Sportsperson (OSP) job under Group 'A', and a plot from Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP).
CM Saini remarked that Phogat had faced disqualification from the Paris Olympics due to a procedural decision.
Given the circumstances, the Chief Minister previously tweeted that he would ensure Haryana's pride, Vinesh Phogat, receives the respect she deserves.
During the current budget session, Phogat reminded the Chief Minister of his pledge to honor her as a medallist after her disqualification for being overweight just before her gold medal bout in the 50 kilogram category.
"The Chief Minister assured that Vinesh is our daughter and she would be rewarded as an Olympic silver medallist. This promise remains unfulfilled," she stated in the Assembly.
"It is not merely about the money; it is about respect. Many individuals across the state suggest that I should have received the cash award," Phogat added.
In August 2024, the Haryana government opted to honor Vinesh Phogat with medallist status despite her disqualification from the Olympics due to being overweight.
As stated by CM Saini, Phogat will receive the same rewards as an Olympic silver medallist, recognizing her historic achievement of reaching the finals in the 50kg category, even though she did not compete in the final bout.
