‘Cheap Publicity’: Vinesh Phogat’s Husband Denies Receiving ₹16 Crore Cash Prize

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in the last fortnight. She achieved the historic feat of becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympics final, only to face the crushing disappointment of disqualification for being just 100 grams overweight on the day of the gold medal match. Adding to her distress, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected her appeal for a shared silver medal.

Despite these setbacks, Vinesh has been warmly welcomed by supporters across India. Since her return from Paris, she has been showered with love and admiration. Several announcements of cash prizes have also been made in her honour. However, her husband, Somvir Rathee, has revealed that some organisations falsely claimed to have offered over Rs 16 crore in cash prizes to Vinesh.

In a post on X, Rathee clarified, “Vinesh Phogat has not received any money from the following organisations, businessmen, companies and parties. All of you are our well-wishers, please do not spread false news. This will not only harm us but also harm social values. This is just a means to gain cheap popularity.”

निम्नलिखित संस्थाओं, व्यापारियों, कंपनियों और पार्टियों द्वारा विनेश फोगाट को कोई धनराशि प्राप्त नहीं हुई है. आप सभी हमारे शुभचिंतक लोग हैं, कृपया झूठी खबरें न फ़ैलाएँ. इससे हमारा नुक़सान तो होगा ही. सामाजिक मूल्यों का भी नुक़सान होगा.

यह सस्ती लोकप्रियता पाने का साधन मात्र है. pic.twitter.com/ziUaA8ct1W

— Somvir Rathee (@somvir_rathee) August 18, 2024

On Saturday, Vinesh received a grand welcome at IGI Airport in Delhi, where hundreds of supporters, including prominent wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, as well as local panchayat leaders, gathered to show their solidarity. Vinesh, adorned with garlands, stood in an open jeep, expressing her gratitude to the nation with folded hands.