In a move that’s stirring both admiration and amusement, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has chosen a cash reward of ₹4 crore over a prestigious government job or residential plot offered by the BJP-led Haryana Government. The reward was meant to honour her efforts in qualifying for the Paris Olympics—a journey that ultimately ended in disqualification.
Yes, you read that right. No Olympic medal. No participation. Yet, a reward equivalent to what a silver medallist would receive. The Haryana Government, known for its generous athlete policy, had offered Phogat a choice between three options: a Group A government job, a residential plot, or ₹4 crore in cash. Phogat didn’t hesitate. She chose the money.
It’s worth noting that the ₹4 crore prize matches what the state offers Olympic silver medallists—prompting questions and quiet smirks across social media and political corners alike. While some hail the gesture as a symbol of encouragement and recognition for athletes under pressure, others question whether “effort” alone—without performance—should merit such generous rewards.
The decision also comes amid rising scrutiny over the politicisation of sports and the perceived favouritism shown toward select athletes. Phogat, who has been a vocal figure in protests against wrestling body leadership in recent years, now finds herself back in the spotlight—though this time, for very different reasons.
In the end, the optics are loud and clear: no medal, no participation, but a payday that would make even silver feel like second place. The Paris Olympic dream may be over, but Vinesh Phogat still walks away a winner—in rupees, if not in results.