Vinesh Phogat slams critics over 4 crore reward after public backlash: 'Rights are not snatched, they are won'

Vinesh Phogat slams critics over 4 crore reward after public backlash

Vinesh Phogat, once a celebrated wrestler and now a newly elected MLA, has come under fire for accepting a ₹4 crore cash reward from the Haryana government for her sporting achievements in the Paris Olympics 2024. Disqualified for exceeding the weight limit, Phogat couldn’t play the gold medal match and missed out on an assured medal. She was still granted the amount as per a promise made by the state government to honour her Olympic-level achievements.

Critics were quick to question the legitimacy of the reward, given her disqualification. However, Phogat didn’t hold back in her response. Taking to social media platform X, she delivered a fiery message aimed at those questioning her integrity and choices.

"Those who tweet for Rs 2 and share knowledge for free... listen carefully! For your information, let me tell you – till now, I have rejected offers worth crores. From soft drinks to online gaming. But I never compromised on my principles. Whatever I have achieved, I have done it with honest hard work and the blessings of my loved ones – and I am proud of that," she wrote.

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Her post reflected the deep frustration many athletes feel when faced with public backlash. She added, "And as far as 'asking' goes...I am the daughter of that land where self-respect is dissolved in mother's milk. I have learnt from my ancestors that rights are not snatched, they are won.”

“When there is a need, one also knows how to call loved ones. And when someone close to us is in trouble, we also know how to stand like a wall with them. So, zip it. Sit in the corner and do what you're best at — cry, cry, cry… and just cry! Because we are not going anywhere. We're here to stay, grounded, unshaken, and standing tall with our own spine and self-respect!"

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Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) April 13, 2025

The Background of the story

The Haryana government had offered Phogat three options under its sports policy: a ₹4 crore cash prize (equivalent to the amount given to Olympic silver medallists), a Group 'A' government job, or a plot of land from the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran. She chose the cash reward — an option that stirred debate but also signalled her priorities as she shifted from sports into the political arena.

The issue gained momentum when Phogat publicly raised the delay in receiving the reward during the state assembly’s budget session. According to reports, “It’s not about the money, it’s about respect,” she had said at the time, calling on the government to follow through on its word. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had made the promise in August 2024, just weeks before Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling.

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Haryana’s sports policy is among the most generous in India, offering ₹6 crore for Olympic gold, ₹4 crore for silver, and ₹2.5 crore for bronze. After hanging up her wrestling boots, Phogat joined the Congress party and successfully contested the October 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, winning from the Julana constituency. Her transition from mat to active politics has been closely watched, and this latest episode shows the balancing act she faces—between public life, personal choices, and the legacy of her athletic career.