The results of the Haryana Assembly elections have been a topic of interest, particularly regarding the Julana assembly seat, where two notable wrestlers vied for political power. Vinesh Phogat, a celebrated athlete who reached the finals of the Paris Olympics, ran as the Congress candidate, drawing considerable attention. However, she faced stiff competition from Kavita Dalal, known as Lady Khali, a prominent wrestler and the first Indian woman to compete in WWE, who represented the Aam Aadmi Party. Despite her fame and training under The Great Khali, Kavita struggled in this political battle, receiving only 1280 votes and losing her security deposit due to the dismal results.
Vinesh Phogat’s Victory
Kavita Dalal, 38, transitioned from wrestling to politics with hopes of making an impact in her community. However, her political aspirations fell short against Vinesh Phogat, who amassed an impressive 65,080 votes. This significant victory highlighted the challenges that former sports personalities might face when entering politics, where the preferences of the electorate may not align with their past fame. A total of 12 candidates contested for the Julana assembly seat, with Kavita finishing fifth, while Vinesh secured the top position with a margin of 6,015 votes over the nearest competitor. Her loss emphasizes the sometimes harsh realities of electoral politics, even for well-known figures.
Kavita Dalal’s Wrestling Journey
The Great Khali, one of India’s most iconic wrestling figures, has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of emerging wrestlers. He brought Kavita Dalal into the world of wrestling through his Continental Wrestling Entertainment, where she began her training in 2016. Kavita’s hard work and dedication paid off when she signed a contract with WWE in 2017 and adopted the ring name Kavita Devi. She trained at WWE’s Performance Center and made her debut at WrestleMania 2018, participating in the women’s battle royal, although she unfortunately faced elimination early on.
As a heel in NXT, Kavita showcased her skills to a global audience. However, her journey in WWE came to an end in 2021 when her contract expired. Despite her release, Kavita’s contributions to the sport and her subsequent venture into politics continue to inspire many aspiring athletes. The transition from sports to politics is rarely smooth, as shown in her recent electoral setback, yet it serves as a testament to the ever-evolving journeys athletes undertake beyond their sporting careers.
