Those Who Tweet for 2 Rupees...Listen Carefully!: Vinesh Phogat Slams Critics, Stands Firm on Principles

Wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat took to social media on Sunday to deliver a powerful message to her critics, defending her integrity and making it clear that her achievements are the result of hard work and unwavering principles.

In a strongly-worded post on X (formerly Twitter), the 30-year-old Olympian addressed those who have questioned her decisions and cast aspersions on her motives.

"Those who tweet for 2 rupees and share free knowledge... listen carefully! For your information, let me tell you - I have rejected offers worth crores so far. From soft drinks to online gaming, but I have never compromised on my principles. Whatever I have achieved, I have done it with honesty of hard work and blessings of my loved ones - and I am proud of that," Phogat stated.

The three-time Olympian, who led the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, further asserted her sense of self-respect and pride in her heritage.

"And as far as 'asking' is concerned... I am the daughter of that land where self-respect is dissolved in mother's milk. I have learnt from my ancestors - rights are not snatched, they are won. When in need, one knows how to call one's loved ones, and when one of our own is in trouble - one also knows how to stand with them like a wall," she added.

Phogat concluded her post with a sharp rebuke to her detractors: "So, zip it. Sit in the corner and do what you're best at - cry, cry, cry... and just cry! Because we are not going anywhere. We're here to stay, grounded, unshaken, and standing tall with our own spine and self-respect!"

Phogat recently sparked debate when she chose a cash award of ₹4 crore from the Haryana government, which had offered her benefits equivalent to those given to an Olympic silver medallist. The offer came despite her disqualification from the Paris Olympics last year for being overweight ahead of her gold medal bout in the 50kg category.

As per Haryana's sports policy, Phogat had the option to select between a cash prize, a Group 'A' job under the Outstanding Sportsperson quota, or a residential plot from the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). She formally informed the state sports department earlier this week of her decision to accept the cash prize.

During the recent budget session of the Haryana Assembly, Phogat had reminded Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of his assurance to honour her like a medallist despite her disqualification.

"The chief minister had said that Vinesh is our daughter and she would receive the reward as an Olympic silver medallist. This promise has still not been fulfilled. It is not about money, it is about respect. Many people from across the state tell me that I must have received the cash award," she said in the Assembly.

CM Saini responded by reiterating that Phogat remained "Haryana's pride" and insisted that her honour would not be allowed to be diminished, despite procedural issues surrounding her disqualification.

While the ruling government has stood by Phogat, opposition leaders have accused the administration of politicising her situation and not offering her adequate support during the Olympics.

Phogat, meanwhile, has revealed plans to invest the ₹4 crore prize money into establishing a world-class wrestling training academy. The facility, she said, will be a tribute to her journey and a stepping stone for aspiring wrestlers from Haryana and across the country.