Sportspersons Join Politics: Famous wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress, while cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has joined the BJP. Sports stars joining politics is nothing new. From cricket legends to Olympic champions, many have used their fame to change arenas. Know about these players.
ravindra jadeja
Jadeja has always been known for his spin bowling on the cricket field, but now he is trying the same spin in politics as well. His wife Rivaba Jadeja has been successful from Jamnagar in the 2022 elections on a BJP ticket. Now Ravindra has also officially joined the party. He has recently retired from T20 internationals. Jadeja’s entry into the BJP reflects his growing political ambitions in Gujarat. In Gujarat, cricket and politics have often gone hand in hand.
Yusuf Pathan
Yusuf Pathan, once famous for his explosive shots on the cricket field, is now making a splash in the field of politics. After retiring from cricket, Yusuf joined Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress this year and contested from the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat. With a victory over Congress veteran Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Yusuf has made his political debut in a bang, just like his sixes in the IPL.
gautam gambhir
Gautam Gambhir’s political innings has been as straightforward and bold as his cricketing style. After joining the BJP in 2019, Gambhir won the East Delhi seat by a good margin. Known for his outspoken attitude on and off the field, Gambhir has been vocal about urban development, cleanliness and healthcare in his constituency. He announced his retirement from politics in 2024. But his political innings has been remarkable.
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s journey from an Olympic silver medallist to a prominent political figure is a story of determination. After retiring from the Indian Army, Rathore joined the BJP in 2013 and soon became Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and later Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. His victory in the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly elections has strengthened his political career.
babita phogat
Like her sister Vinesh, Babita Phogat has also made headlines in politics. Babita, a medalist at the Commonwealth Games, 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 since then she has become a prominent figure in Haryana politics.
mary kom
India’s boxing icon Mary Kom stepped out of the ring into politics after being nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2016. Known for her never-say-die 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 rung of Indian politics reflects her determination, although her entry into politics has been more quiet than her boxing career.
Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s life after cricket has been quite colourful. From the cricket pitch to comedy shows and then politics, Sidhu’s journey has been nothing short of ordinary. He first entered politics with the BJP, representing Amritsar in the Lok Sabha, but soon moved to the Congress. Known for his fiery speeches and his knack for creating buzz, Sidhu’s outspoken nature has made him a popular and polarising figure, just like his on-field antics.
mohammad azharuddin
Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin entered politics by joining the Congress after his illustrious cricket career. He was elected MP from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh in 2009. Azharuddin’s political journey has had ups and downs just like his cricket career.
Pargat Singh
Former Indian hockey team captain Pargat Singh entered 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 shown the same determination in his political career as well.
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, especially hockey, and improving infrastructure for young athletes.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
Legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, fondly known as ‘Tiger Pataudi’, entered politics after his cricketing career. He contested the Lok Sabha elections from Gurgaon in 1971 as a Vishal Haryana Party candidate. However, his political career was short-lived. He is remembered more for cricket than politics.
Several other sports personalities 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 mark in the field of politics but have made attempts to contribute to public life.
