Latest news with #VineshPhogat
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
The story of Indian women: Empowered and powerless
Typically, the politics of gender in India has been a backlash against the perceived educational and financial independence of women. The reactions, particularly on social media, to the recent murder of a young tennis player allegedly by her father show that there are groups that view the rise of women celebrities and influencers as a threat to a system that rests on male power. The murdered girl's father told the Haryana police that he had been driven to the act because he had been constantly taunted for 'living off his daughter's income'. Barely a week later, Balasore district in Odisha faced a public bandh with angry citizens demanding justice for a 20-year-old student who had immolated herself after the college turned a deaf ear to her repeated complaints about a senior faculty member harassing her sexually. Former CM and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said in a post on X that a failed system did not help a female student struggling for justice. There is little sensible discussion over such deaths. Both deaths coincidentally occurred in BJP-ruled states and are being politicised by the Opposition. This has resulted in the usual whataboutery from the ruling party's quarters: Why focus only on BJP-ruled states? What about the rape-murder of a doctor on a West Bengal campus? Some have called the Haryana incident an 'honour killing' since the family was prosperous, and the FIR states that the father of the player-turned-coach was angry with his increasingly defiant daughter. Even the term he used in his confession to his cousin used patriarchal archaism: 'Maine kanya vadh kiya hai (I have committed filicide).' Ironically, it is obvious from both these cases how, whatever the ground reality, gender equality has acquired the aura of an ideal socio-political stance for all Indian political parties. Even while defending perpetrators from their fold, all parties are quick to proclaim support for nari shakti and nari mukti. When elections are due, they promise subsidies and cash donations — now an inalienable part of all manifestos. But the promises printed on posters plastered all over town with the party supremo's beaming mugshot hide the ugly reality that the daily news unveils. From Vinesh Phogat and Radhika Yadav, to the Balasore case, we can clearly see the injustices that prevail within homes and workplaces even for women who appear to be protected, well-off and financially independent. Whatever the politicians' proclaimed position, scores of young Indian women are learning how their deemed empowerment may reveal another facet of their powerlessness as daughters, mothers, sisters, students and employees. Committees to register complaints against sexual harassment at the workplace often underscore a woman's powerlessness to access justice. We also realise how daily actions and quips, seemingly innocent or unintended, remind women of all ages of the Laxman rekha marking boundaries of female ambition and what society/employers will expect of them after elections and Mahila Shakti Divas and Ladli bahin/ beti celebrations are over. Inequality has many champions on social media. Not just trolls but many well-known influencers openly victim-shame and promote prejudice. This impacts the young indelibly. We can claim to have some of the most progressive laws to help and protect women from sexual predators. In reality, women see the law and instruments of the state treating those without connections in high places as abstract creatures with abstract rights. In Amrit Kaal, no law will sanction a father shooting his daughter. But the state often only intervenes once the most serious crime has already been committed. No state allows kanwariyas to assault a girl on a scooty with shoes because she defiled their holy cargo either. But this happened. No law in India will silence women or stop them from filing complaints of abuse against predatory male bosses. Women, though, know the standard reaction of college authorities, company boardrooms and office fact-finding committees in these circumstances. The writer is former chairperson, Prasar Bharati
Pink Villa
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Vinesh Phogat-Somvir Rathee announce arrival of baby boy with most adorable 1st glimpse, fans say ‘Fighter is born'
It was in March that Vinesh Phogat announced her first pregnancy with husband Somvir Rathee. And now, she took to her Instagram handle to share the first glimpse of her baby boy to announce his arrival in the world in July. This news has surely left all her fans delighted and overjoyed. Vinesh Phogat gives birth to a baby boy Taking to her Instagram handle, Vinesh Phogat shared the most adorable picture of her newborn. In the photo, we can see the tiny feet of her baby boy. Sharing this picture, the athlete wrote, 'One week ago, our baby boy arrived with the softest cry, and the love he brings is endless. A tiny heartbeat, a million emotions. We've never known a joy like this. Welcome to the world, little one!!!' Vinesh Phogat's pregnancy announcement On March 6, Vinesh Phogat took to her Instagram handle to share one of the biggest news of her life with her fans. The athlete who retired from wrestling after the Paris Olympics, 2024, announced her first pregnancy with her husband, Somvir Rathee. Taking to her Instagram handle, she shared a picture of herself with her husband and wrote, 'Our love story continues with a new chapter,' accompanied by a red heart and a foot emoji. Vinesh Phogat's Paris Olympics 2024 disqualification Vinesh Phogat reached the finals at the Paris Olympics in the women's 50kg weight category after defeating defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan. She was the former European champion, Oksana Livach of Ukraine, and Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba. However, she was disqualified on the morning of her final match as she failed to make the weight and was found to be marginally overweight at the mandatory weigh-in. It was reported that she took some drastic measures to cut down on her weight the night before. As a result, she has to be taken to a polyclinic at the Olympic village after she suffered from dehydration caused by the lack of food and fluids that she stopped taking in order to bring her weight down. Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement Right after returning from Paris, a dejected Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport. She was heartbroken after the disqualification, and it was evident when the decision was made. Later, she joined politics and presently serves as the MLA of Julana constituency in Haryana.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan's visit sparks anger on Vinesh Phogat home turf
Sat Singh | tnn Rohtak: Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and BJP functionary from Uttar Pradesh, , visited Charkhi Dadri -- the home district of Olympian wrestler -- on Sunday, sparking anger and controversy, particularly among local khap panchayats. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Brij Bhushan arrived in Dadri's Baund Kalan village amid heavy security on the invitation of Rajput Sabha to felicitate wrestler Rachna Parmar, who recently won gold at the U-17 Asian Championship in Vietnam. BJP leader and Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt was also honoured at the event. Brij Bhushan said that India has yet to win a gold medal in wrestling at the Olympics and proposed that Dutt be entrusted with this responsibility. Before Brij Bhushan arrived, local BJP MP Chaudhary Dharambir from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh constituency and Dadri MLA Sunil Sangwan attended the event briefly. However, both leaders left before Brij Bhushan's arrival, citing time constraints. Several khap panchayats opposed his visit. Phogat Khap, which has been vocal in supporting Vinesh Phogat since the wrestlers' protest against Brij Bhushan, condemned his presence in Dadri. Phogat Khap secretary Kuldeep Phogat, BKU (Youth) state president Ravi Azad and Krishna Phogat said Rachna Parmar made the country proud and should be celebrated "but inviting someone like Brij Bhushan, who is accused of disrespecting women wrestlers, sends a highly negative message to society". Nehra Khap from Rohtak also objected to Brij Bhushan's participation. Its Youth national president, Sandeep Nehra, said: "Brij Bhushan's presence in Dadri is inappropriate. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He has insulted Vinesh Phogat and other female wrestlers. His participation hurts the sentiments of the local people." In response to the backlash, Rajput Sabha's Charkhi Dadri district in charge Pawan Sanjarwasiya defended the event, saying: "The programme is meant to honour a farmer's daughter who has brought pride to the nation. Only a few self-proclaimed leaders and disruptive elements are opposing the event. The Panwar Batisi Khap is fully ready to welcome Brij Bhushan." He warned that any attempts to disrupt the event would be dealt with strictly. This event has deepened the divide between khap leadership and BJP's local and central figures, especially in light of the ongoing concerns over the treatment of women athletes. Vinesh Phogat and several other wrestlers previously led protests demanding action against Brij Bhushan over allegations of misconduct. MSID:: 122279144 413 |
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Wrestler-turned-MLA Vinesh Phogat becomes a mother, welcomes baby boy with husband Somvir Rathee
Vinesh Phogat, one of India's most celebrated wrestlers and a first-time legislator, stepped into a new chapter of her life on Tuesday with the birth of her first child, a baby boy. The 30-year-old Congress MLA and her husband, fellow wrestler Somvir Rathee, welcomed their son at a private hospital in Delhi. Vinesh Phogat during the 2024 Paris Olympics Her elder brother Harvinder Phogat confirmed the joyous news. 'Vinesh gave birth to a baby boy this morning. Both mother and baby are healthy. It's a moment of great joy for our family,' Harvinder told The Indian Express. He also revealed that Vinesh will soon return to Somvir's home, adding, 'We will all visit her soon. Everyone in our village, Balali, is excited to welcome her and the baby.' Back in March, Vinesh had shared her pregnancy announcement on social media, captioning a photo with: 'Our love story continues with a new chapter,' accompanied by baby and heart emojis, a post that drew warm wishes from fans and fellow athletes alike. This joyful news arrives after an emotional and turbulent phase in Vinesh's life. At the Paris Olympics last year, she faced heartbreak after being disqualified from the women's 50kg final due to exceeding the weight limit. She later described the incident as the 'biggest wound' of her life, though she kept the door open for a future return to wrestling. Vinesh has won two bronze medals at the World Championships, with an Asian Games gold and three Commonwealth Games gold medals in a celebrated career. Switch to politics Since then, her journey has taken a political turn. Vinesh joined the Indian National Congress in September and successfully contested the Haryana Assembly elections from the Julana constituency, defeating BJP's Yogesh Kumar. On Tuesday, party colleague Kumari Selja extended her congratulations: 'Hearty congratulations and best wishes… I pray the newborn brings happiness and good health to the family.' Vinesh was also at the forefront of the wrestlers' protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual harassment.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Olympian Vinesh Phogat, husband Somvir Rathee blessed with baby boy
Vinesh Phogat of Team India (red) celebrates victory against Yusneylis Guzman Lopez at the Olympic Games in Paris (Image by) Former wrestling star and Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday morning at a private hospital in Delhi. This is the first child for 30-year-old Vinesh and her husband, wrestler Somvir Rathee. Vinesh's elder brother Harvinder Phogat confirmed the news. 'Vinesh gave birth to a baby boy this morning. Both mother and baby are healthy. It's a moment of great joy for our family,' Harvinder told The Indian Express . Vinesh had announced her pregnancy in March on social media. She shared a photo with the message, 'Our love story continues with a new chapter,' along with baby and heart emojis. Harvinder added that Vinesh will return to Somvir's home in a few days. 'We will all visit her soon. Everyone in our village, Balali, is excited to welcome her and the baby,' he said. The 30-year-old was disqualified from the women's 50kg final at the Paris Olympics last year for going over the weight limit. After that, she said the missed Olympic medal was the 'biggest wound' of her life but added she might return to wrestling in the future. In September last year, Vinesh joined the Indian National Congress and later won the Julana seat in the Haryana Assembly elections by beating BJP's Yogesh Kumar. After the baby's birth, Congress leader Kumari Selja congratulated her. 'Hearty congratulations and best wishes… I pray the newborn brings happiness and good health to the family,' wrote the politician. Poll Do you think Vinesh Phogat will return to the mat? Yes No Vinesh also led protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexually harassing women wrestlers. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
