From Mat to Mandate: How India’s Top Athletes Took on Politics feat Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia

The world of Indian sports isn’t just about victory on the field anymore—it's a path to political power!

In recent years, several sports icons have made the jump from stadiums to the political stage, and now two of India’s wrestling giants, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have stepped into the political ring with the Indian National Congress.

But they’re not alone! So, let’s dive into other Indian sportspersons who left their mark in politics.
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore:

The Olympic silver medalist from the 2004 Athens Games became a heavyweight in Indian politics when he joined the BJP in 2013. Rathore won the Jaipur Rural constituency and held key cabinet roles.

He's currently a Cabinet Minister in the Rajasthan Government, making his transition from sports to politics a resounding success.

Prasun Banerjee:

Once an Indian football star with 49 caps and three international goals, Prasun Banerjee made waves in politics by securing the Howrah Lok Sabha seat three times for the Trinamool Congress, most recently in 2024.
Dilip Tirkey:

The former Indian hockey captain and current president of Hockey India ran twice for the Lok Sabha from the Sundergarh constituency, though both attempts saw him narrowly miss victory. His leadership in sports still shines despite his electoral defeats.

Devendra Jhajharia:

Two-time Paralympic gold medalist, Devendra Jhajharia, took his leap into politics by contesting from Rajasthan’s Churu constituency in the 2024 elections under the BJP banner. However, unlike his performances at the quadrennial event, he faced defeat in the polls.

Babita Phogat:

Commonwealth gold medalist Babita Phogat brought her fighting spirit to politics, contesting the Haryana Legislative Assembly election in Dadri on a BJP ticket in 2019. While she didn't win, her passion and influence remain undiminished.

Kalyan Chaubey:

Former footballer Kalyan Chaubey, who is now the AIFF president, entered politics with the BJP in 2015 and contested the 2019 general elections. Despite a valiant campaign, he couldn’t beat Mahua Moitra from Krishnanagar.

Vijender Singh:

The boxing champion who brought home a bronze from the 2008 Olympics, turned political contender in 2019. However, he lost the South Delhi seat for Congress that year. Cut to 2024, he was once again in the headlines after switching to the BJP, readying himself for round two in politics.

And now, Vinesh and Bajrang's entry into politics marks an exciting new chapter. Both have been champions on the wrestling mat, but how they will fare in the political arena—only time will tell.