Vinesh Phogat, the wrestler-turned-Congress MLA from Julana, Haryana, has opted for a ₹4 crore cash award from the Haryana government, declining the alternatives of a government job or a residential plot offered under the state’s sports policy.
In March 2025, the Haryana cabinet extended to Phogat three options typically granted to Olympic silver medallists: a ₹4 crore cash prize, a Group ‘A’ government job, or a plot under the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). Phogat, who was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being 100 grams overweight before her gold medal bout in the 50kg category, was still honored with these benefits in recognition of her athletic achievements.
As a sitting legislator, Phogat is ineligible for a government position. A family member noted that the cash award provides her the flexibility to purchase land according to her family’s needs.
Earlier, during the Haryana Assembly’s Budget Session, Phogat had reminded Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of his promise to honor her like a medallist despite her Olympic disqualification. Saini affirmed that her honor would not be diminished due to the circumstances.
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