Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, caught in a bout with the sport’s governing body in India, have joined the Congress while cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has aligned with the BJP.
This trend of sports stars moving into politics isn’t new. From cricketing icons to Olympic champions, many have used their fame to switch arenas. Here are a few of them.
Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia
Shaking up the political landscape in Haryana ahead of the Assembly elections, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have swapped the wrestling mat for the political battleground. Both Olympians, who stood at the forefront of last year’s protests against the alleged sexual assault and intimidation by former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, have joined the Congress party. Their activism, rooted in justice for athletes and transparency in sports administration, seems to be a natural progression into politics. Whether their combative spirit on the mat will translate to success in the political ring or not, these two won’t shy away from a challenge.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja has always been known for his spinning deliveries on the cricket pitch, but now he's applying that same spin to politics. Following his wife Rivaba Jadeja’s political rise within the BJP, Ravindra officially joined the party during their ongoing membership drive. His move, coupled with his wife’s successful 2022 election win in Jamnagar, Gujarat, signals Jadeja’s deeper involvement in politics. Though he recently retired from T20 Internationals, it seems the all-rounder has no intention of slowing down. Jadeja’s entry into the BJP reflects his growing political ambitions in Gujarat, a state where cricket and politics often walk hand-in-hand.
Yusuf Pathan
Yusuf Pathan, once feared for his explosive shots on the cricket field, is now batting in the political arena. After his retirement from cricket, Yusuf joined Mamata Banjee’s Trinamul this year and contested from the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat. With a convincing win over Congress stalwart Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Yusuf marked his political debut with a bang, much like his sixes in the IPL.
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir’s political innings has been as straight and bold as his cricketing style. Joining the BJP in 2019, Gambhir won the East Delhi seat with a comfortable margin. Known for his no-nonsense approach both on and off the field, Gambhir has been vocal about urban development, cleanliness, and healthcare in his constituency. Though he announced his departure from politics in 2024, his impact on Delhi’s political landscape will be remembered.
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s journey from Olympic silver medallist to a key political figure is a story of determination. After retiring from the Indian Army, Rathore joined the BJP in 2013, quickly becoming a minister of state for information & broadcasting and later, the minister of youth affairs and sports. His victory in the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly election has solidified his political career.
Babita Phogat
Much like her sister Vinesh, Babita Phogat has made her way into the political spotlight. The Commonwealth Games medallist has been a vocal supporter of the BJP and joined the party in 2019. Babita’s political journey began with her active participation in the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign, and she has since become a prominent figure in Haryana politics.
Mary Kom
Mary Kom, India’s boxing icon, transitioned from the ring to politics when she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2016. Known for her never-give-up attitude, Mary Kom has used her position to advocate for sports infrastructure, women’s rights, and youth development. Her journey from a small village in Manipur to the highest echelons of Indian politics reflects her determination, though her foray into politics has been more subdued compared to her boxing career.
Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s post-cricket life has been as colourful as his famous ‘Sidhuisms’. From the cricket pitch to comedy shows and then to politics, Sidhu’s journey has been anything but ordinary. He first entered politics with the BJP, representing Amritsar in the Lok Sabha, but soon switched to the Congress. Known for his flamboyant speeches and his knack for creating a buzz, Sidhu’s outspoken nature has made him both a popular and polarising figure, much like his on-field antics.
Mohammad Azharuddin
Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin transitioned to politics after his illustrious cricketing career, joining the Congress. He was elected as an MP from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh in 2009. Azharuddin’s political journey has had its ups and downs, much like his cricketing career.
Pargat Singh
Pargat Singh, the former captain of the Indian hockey team, took the plunge into politics with the Shiromani Akali Dal and later joined the Congress party in Punjab. Known for his strong leadership on the hockey field, Pargat Singh has brought that same determination to his political career.
Dilip Tirkey
Dilip Tirkey, one of India’s most successful hockey players, has made significant strides in Odisha’s political arena. After retiring from international hockey, Tirkey joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and was elected to the Rajya Sabha. His focus has been on promoting sports in Odisha, particularly hockey, and improving infrastructure for young athletes.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
The legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, fondly known as ‘Tiger Pataudi’, ventured into politics after his cricketing career. He contested the Lok Sabha elections from Gurgaon in 1971 as a candidate for the Vishal Haryana Party. Though his political career was short-lived, Pataudi’s entry into politics reflected his desire to contribute to public service. His legacy, however, remains more closely tied to his cricketing achievements.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, arguably India’s most revered cricketer, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2012. Though his political career has been relatively low-key compared to his cricketing exploits, Tendulkar has used his position to advocate for sports development and education, even if he has stayed away from the political spotlight.
Honourable mentions
Several other sports icons have also tried their hand at politics. From wrestling champion The Great Khali to football star Baichung Bhutia, these athletes may not have made a significant mark in the political arena, but their efforts to contribute to public life deserve recognition.
