In an interview, wrestler Vinesh Phogat revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to speak with her after she was disqualified from the Paris Olympics. Phogat, however, declined the call due to certain conditions imposed by officials. She explained that the call did not come directly to her but to Indian officials, who informed her that Modi wanted to speak. However, they insisted that no one from her side could be present, only their team, which would include someone to record the conversation for social media.
. @Phogat_Vinesh ने प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी से फ़ोन पर बात करने से साफ इंकार कर दिया।
— All India Mahila Congress (@MahilaCongress) October 2, 2024
क्योंकि मोदी की टीम कॉल रिकॉर्ड करके सोशल मीडिया पर वाहवाही बटोरना चाहती थी। pic.twitter.com/Cv86dE0WLc
Phogat refused these terms, saying she didn’t want her emotions and hard work turned into a social media spectacle. She expressed that if there was genuine sympathy for athletes, such conversations could happen without recordings. Phogat also hinted that she might have asked tough questions about the past two years, suggesting that this could be why officials placed conditions on the call.
Phogat, who had previously protested against former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations, also addressed her disqualification from the Olympics, where she was found overweight by 100 grams. After her return from Paris, Phogat announced her retirement and joined the Congress. She is now contesting from the Julana assembly constituency in Haryana. Phogat criticized the BJP for supporting Brij Bhushan, praising the Congress for standing by the protesting wrestlers when they were "dragged on the roads" in Delhi.
