Vinesh Phogat hails from a family steeped in wrestling tradition, with the sport ingrained in her upbringing. Growing up in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, she was surrounded by wrestling greats, her father, Rajpal Phogat, and her cousins, Geeta and Babita Phogat, who have left indelible marks on the sport. Despite the pressure of living up to her family’s legacy, Vinesh has forged her own path, overcoming challenges and achieving remarkable success both on and off the mat.
A Controversial Setback at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Vinesh Phogat’s career faced a significant challenge at the 2024 Paris Olympics when she was disqualified from the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling final. While this event could have cast a shadow over her career, it instead served as a catalyst for her financial rise, bringing her even greater attention and elevating her status in the world of sports.
A Surge in Endorsement Fees
The controversy surrounding her disqualification sparked widespread public interest, leading to a dramatic increase in her endorsement fees. Before the Olympics, Vinesh charged around ₹25 lakh per deal. However, post-Olympics, her fees have surged to between ₹75 lakh and ₹1 crore per endorsement. This significant rise reflects her strengthened brand presence and the ongoing public fascination with her story.
A Growing Net Worth
Vinesh’s financial success is evident in her rapidly growing net worth. Previously estimated at ₹5 crore, her fortune has now soared to an impressive ₹36.5 crore, as reported by Times Now and Asianet News. Though these figures couldn’t be independently verified by DNA, they highlight the substantial impact of her endorsements and other income sources on her overall wealth.
Lucrative Endorsements and Salary
In addition to her endorsement deals, Vinesh Phogat receives an annual salary of ₹6 lakh from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Managed by Cornerstone Sports, her endorsement deals have become a major source of income, leveraging her athletic achievements into significant financial gains. These deals have played a crucial role in boosting her net worth and securing her financial future.
A Lifestyle Reflecting Success
Vinesh Phogat’s financial success is also reflected in her opulent lifestyle. Her car collection includes a Toyota Fortuner valued at ₹35 lakh, a Toyota Innova priced at ₹28 lakh, and a Mercedes GLE worth ₹1.8 crore. This luxurious collection underscores the impressive heights she has reached, transforming her from a celebrated athlete into a prominent figure in India’s sports industry.