Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s net worth was Rs 5 crore before Paris Olympics, now her net worth is Rs…
Vinesh Phogat net worth: Wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat had a net worth of just Rs 5 crore before last year’s Paris Olympics, which has now surged to around Rs 36.5 crore, thanks to several lucrative endorsement deals, according to reports.
Vinesh Phogat, who has been in the spotlight both for her wrestling accolades as well as for political reasons– especially the 2023 wrestlers’ protest against former WFI chief and BJP politician Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom the wrestlers accused of sexual harassment– faced a heartbreaking setback at the 2024 Paris Olympics when she was disqualified from competing in the finals of women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling.
However, the controversy which cost her a potential Olympic gold medal, also had a silver lining as Phogat’s fame and fortune both touched new heights after the scandal. According to various media reports, Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic performance, besides generating significant national interest, also boosted her brand value as well as her endorsement fees.
Vinesh reportedly charged Rs 25 lakh per deal before the Paris Olympics but her fees has skyrocketed to between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 1 crore, per endorsement, providing a significant boost to her wealth which currently stands at Rs 36.5 crore, as per a Times Now report. Phogat’s endorsements are managed by Cornerstone Sports, and have become a lucrative source of income for the Olympic medalist who also receives an annual salary of Rs 6 lakh from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
As per reports, the surge in wealth reflects in her growing collection of premium cars, which now includes a Toyota Fortuner worth Rs 35 lakhs, a Toyota Innova worth Rs 28 lakhs, and a Mercedes GLE costing Rs 1.8 crores.
Earlier this year, Vinesh Phogat, along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, joined the Congress and later emerged victorious from the Julana Assembly constituency in Haryana Assembly Elections. Phogat called her poll win “victory of every struggle, of truth”, asserting that her victory represents the “the fight of every girl, every woman who chooses the path to fight”.
In early 2023, Phogat and Punia, along with fellow Olympian Sakshi Malik, had launched a vociferous protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, then chief of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), accusing him of sexually abusing female wrestlers, including a minor. Following the month’s long protest, the Delhi Police registered two FIRs, including one under the stringent POCSO Act, against Brij Bhushan based on the complaints filed by the wrestlers.