'Zip It, Sit In The Corner...': Vinesh Phogat Slams Trolls Over ₹4 Crore Cash Reward Controversy

, the wrestler-turned-politician, has defended her decision to accept a ₹4 crore cash reward from the state government. Despite being disqualified from the Paris Olympics for exceeding the weight limit, Phogat will receive benefits equivalent to those of an Olympic silver medalist, as promised by the Haryana government.

Vinesh Phogat faced criticism for seeking a cash reward, but she responded strongly on social media, telling her critics to "zip it, sit in the corner, and cry." Phogat's candid response reflects her frustration with the negative commentary surrounding her decision to accept the reward.

2 रुपये लेकर ट्वीट करने वालों और फ्री का ज्ञान बाँटने वालों… ज़रा ध्यान से सुनो!
तुम्हारी जानकारी के लिए बता दूँ — अब तक करोड़ों के ऑफर ठुकरा चुकी हूँ।
सॉफ्ट ड्रिंक्स से लेकर ऑनलाइन गेमिंग तक,
पर मैंने कभी अपने उसूलों का सौदा नहीं किया।
जो कुछ भी हासिल किया है, मेहनत की…

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) April 13, 2025

"Those who tweet for Rs 2 and share knowledge for free... listen carefully! For your information, let me tell you – till now, I have rejected offers worth crores. From soft drinks to online gaming. But I never compromised on my principles. Whatever I have achieved, I have done it with honest hard work and the blessings of my loved ones – and I am proud of that," Phogat wrote on X.

"And as far as 'asking' goes...I am the daughter of that land where self-respect is dissolved in mother's milk. I have learnt from my ancestors that rights are not snatched, they are won. When there is a need, one also knows how to call loved ones, And when someone close to us is in trouble, we also know how to stand like a wall with them. 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!" added Phogat.

The controversy has sparked a wider debate about athlete compensation and public expectations. Phogat's strong reaction underscores the challenges athletes face in navigating public scrutiny and personal ambition.

Vinesh Phogat picks ₹4 crore over plot and government job

The Haryana government offered Vinesh Phogat three options under its sports policy:- Cash Prize: A ₹4 crore cash reward, equivalent to the benefits awarded to an Olympic silver medalist, or Government Job: A prestigious Group 'A' government job as an Outstanding Sportsperson or Land Allocation: A plot from the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). Phogat chose the ₹4 crore cash prize, highlighting her priorities as she transitions from sports to politics.

The issue gained traction after Phogat raised the matter during the Haryana Assembly’s budget session, questioning the government's delay. “It’s not about the money, it’s about respect,” she said. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had promised to reward Phogat as an Olympic medallist in August 2024. Haryana’s sports policy is considered one of the most generous in the country. It offers ₹6 crore to Olympic gold medallists, ₹4 crore to silver medallists, and ₹2.5 crore to bronze medallists.

Following the Paris Olympics heartbreak, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling on August 8, 2024 and made her transitioned into politics. She joined the Congress and won the Julana seat in the October 2024 Haryana Assembly elections.