Akhada and beyond: Haryana poll battle with Vinesh in the ring

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic journey and political aspirations resonate in her hometown, as Haryana's wrestlers rally for change ahead of elections.

A thin sheet of asbestos does little to shield wrestlers from the evening sun at the barebones wrestling hall in Mamta Modern Senior Secondary School in Sonepat’s Rathdhana village. The sharp odour of sweat and latex is unmistakable, but it is not the most overwhelming sensation in this indoor sports arena.

The wrestling hall in Mamta Modern Senior Secondary School in Sonepat’s Rathdhana village. (HT Photo)

Instead, it is Vinesh Phogat – peering from all corners. On the left, she is overpowering Cuban Yusneylis Guzman in the Paris Olympics semi-finals; on the right, she is