In a heated session of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya faced strong opposition after detailing the government’s expenses on wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s training following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. The Opposition eventually walked out of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, expressing their displeasure over the government’s handling of the issue.
Vinesh Phogat, who was scheduled to compete in the 50-kg category finals against American Sarah Hildebrandt, was disqualified due to being 100 grams overweight. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) lodged a protest with United World Wrestling over the disqualification, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed IOA President P.T. Usha to take “appropriate action.”
Mandaviya, responding to the Opposition’s demand for an explanation, began his statement by emphasizing the support provided to Phogat by the government. He mentioned that Phogat’s renowned Hungarian coach Woller Akos and physio Ashwini Patil were accompanying her and highlighted the financial assistance provided for additional personal assisting staff, such as sparring partners and strength and conditioning experts.
“For the Paris Olympics cycle, they were provided financial assistance of a total of ₹70.45 lakh,” Mandaviya said, as he outlined the expenditures made to support Phogat’s training.
However, this detailed account of the funds spent on Phogat’s preparation did not sit well with the Opposition. MPs from opposition parties, led by Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi and Deepender Hooda, vociferously protested the minister’s focus on financial details rather than addressing the alleged lapses in support that led to Phogat’s disqualification. Gogoi criticized the government, accusing it of failing to support a potential gold medalist and questioned its priorities.
“You call yourself Vishwaguru but could not help a potential gold medalist. You say you have stopped a war but you could not help your own player,” Gogoi was heard shouting. He further criticized the government for talking about money spent on athletes instead of addressing the harm done to them, referring to the protests by Phogat and other wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of molesting female wrestlers.
Hooda repeatedly requested permission to seek clarification from the minister but was denied by Speaker Om Birla. Frustrated by the lack of opportunity to engage in the discussion, the Opposition staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha.
Following the walkout, Hooda expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “If she has reached the finals, at least she should get the silver medal. Why isn’t the government trying… We wanted to hear this (that the Indian government will also do this). But the minister began giving details of the money spent. He didn’t even express grief. That is why we walked out.”
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In the Rajya Sabha, a similar scene unfolded when Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge sought a discussion on Phogat’s disqualification. However, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar denied permission for the discussion, prompting Opposition MPs to resort to sloganeering during a debate on the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill 2024 and the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2024. The opposition’s continued protests led to a walkout from the Upper House as well.
Dhankhar expressed his displeasure with the Opposition’s conduct, calling it “indecorous and undignified” and accusing them of challenging the authority of the Chair. He stated, “The Leader of Opposition wants to raise an important issue affecting countrymen but nothing is mentioned, it is done only to earn brownie points… this is an important theatre of dialogue and deliberation and I take exception towards a stance and trend that is emerging to challenge the Chair every time.”
Outside Parliament, the controversy over Phogat’s disqualification also sparked strong reactions. Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda suggested there might be a conspiracy behind the disqualification, calling for an investigation. “I have never heard of such a thing happening. The government must investigate this. I believe there is a conspiracy,” Hooda said.
JD(U) spokesperson K.C. Tyagi echoed similar sentiments, expressing suspicion of manipulation. “After reaching the finals, which she was sure to win, she was disqualified at the 11th hour… We suspect manipulation as part of a conspiracy. Such things are not new at the Olympics. I am happy that the PM has taken up this matter with the Olympic Association. Hopefully, justice will be done,” Tyagi said.
The government’s response and the walkout by the Opposition underscore the tension surrounding the issue and the broader concerns about the treatment of athletes in India. As the controversy unfolds, the demands for a thorough investigation and a more empathetic approach to handling athletes’ issues continue to grow.
