New Delhi: Renowned journalist Rajat Sharma has lashed out at the politicization of sports in India, drawing attention to the recent grand welcome accorded to Olympic medalist Vinesh Phogat in Haryana. In a scathing post on X, Sharma criticized the state government for using the wrestler’s achievement as a political tool, stating, “Revere the champion Vinesh, she is the pride of the nation. But don’t parade her around Haryana like a trophy just because there are elections.”
Sharma’s critique extended to the broader issue of political interference in sports administration. He pointed to the case of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India chief, who allegedly used his position for political leverage, threatening to join the Samajwadi Party and causing significant damage to the sport.
“As long as politics and nepotism are involved in sports, we won’t get medals,” Sharma emphasized. He compared India’s Olympic performance to smaller nations like the Netherlands and Korea, highlighting the disparity despite India’s substantial investment in sports.
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The journalist alleged that sports associations in India have been transformed into personal fiefdoms, with the same individuals controlling the reins of power. He questioned the rumored political appointments for Vinesh Phogat and Manu Bhaker, asserting that such moves undermine the focus on achieving sporting excellence.
Sharma concluded by stating that India must choose between prioritizing politics or medals, emphasizing that both cannot coexist harmoniously. His comments have sparked a heated debate on the role of politics in sports and the need for a more meritocratic approach to sports development in the country.
