Athletes who turned to the world of politics
Several Indian sportspersons have transitioned from the world of sports to politics, bringing their leadership skills and popularity to the political arena. These individuals have made significant contributions to both fields, using their influence to advocate for various causes and drive change.
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Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu, a former cricketer known for his explosive batting, entered politics after retiring from cricket. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Amritsar. Sidhu later joined the Indian National Congress in 2017 and served as a minister in the Punjab government. His political career has been marked by his outspoken nature and efforts to improve infrastructure and tourism in Punjab.
Image: Navjot Singh Sidhu/Instagram
Kirti Azad
Kirti Azad, a member of the 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning team, transitioned to politics with the BJP. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Darbhanga, Bihar, and served multiple terms. Azad has been vocal about issues related to sports administration and corruption. His political journey has seen him switch allegiances, joining the Indian National Congress in 2019, where he continues to advocate for transparency and good governance.
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Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer known for his crucial innings in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup finals, entered politics by joining the BJP in 2019. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from East Delhi. Gambhir has focused on issues such as pollution, public health, and education. His transition from cricket to politics has been marked by his commitment to serving his constituents and addressing local issues.
Image: Gautam Gambhir/Instagram
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, an Olympic silver medalist in shooting, joined the BJP and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Jaipur Rural in 2014. He served as the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports and later as the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting. Rathore has been instrumental in promoting sports and youth development in India, leveraging his sports background to influence policy and initiatives.
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Vijender Singh
Vijender Singh, an Olympic bronze medalist in boxing, entered politics by joining the Indian National Congress in 2019. He contested the Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi but did not win. Despite this, Singh continues to be active in politics, focusing on issues related to sports infrastructure and youth empowerment. His journey from the boxing ring to the political arena highlights his dedication to public service.
Image: Vijender Singh/Instagram
Babita Phogat
Babita Phogat, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist in wrestling, joined the BJP in 2019. She contested the Haryana Assembly elections from Dadri but did not win. Phogat has been an advocate for women’s rights and sports development. Her entry into politics reflects her desire to contribute to society beyond her achievements in wrestling.
Image: Babita Phogat/Instagram
Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat, another accomplished wrestler from the Phogat family, joined the Indian National Congress in 2024. Known for her multiple medals in international competitions, Vinesh aims to leverage her sports experience to address issues related to sports and youth development. Her political career is just beginning, but she has already shown a strong commitment to public service.
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Bajrang Punia
Bajrang Punia, a celebrated wrestler with numerous international accolades, also joined the Indian National Congress in 2024. Punia’s entry into politics is driven by his desire to improve sports infrastructure and support athletes in India. His transition from wrestling to politics is seen as a move to bring about positive change in the sports sector.
Image: Bajrang Punia/Instagram
Ravindrasinh jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, a renowned all-rounder in Indian cricket, joined the BJP in 2024. His wife, Rivaba Jadeja, is already a BJP MLA from Jamnagar, Gujarat. Jadeja’s entry into politics was announced through social media, where he and his wife shared photos of their BJP membership cards. Known for his exceptional cricketing skills, Jadeja aims to leverage his popularity and influence to address issues related to sports and youth development in his political career.
Image: Ravindrasinh Jadeja/Instagram