Indian sporting stars turned politicians

In a country of billions, only the select few gets to represent the nation at global sporting events. These athletes rise and shine above the rest with their superior work ethic and discipline. For generations now, fellow Indians have looked up to these athletes as a source of inspiration. Be it Major Dhyan Chand, The Wizard who brought India laurels in hockey at multiple Olympics, or Neeraj Chopra, who is making millions of Indians believe in an encore at the upcoming Paris Olympics, the personal glories of these stars always manage to uplift the nation. While most athletes retire and look for alternative careers, some venture into politics, leveraging their popularity to win votes. Here is a list of 10 Indian athletes who found their feet in politics after bidding adieu to their sporting careers. Some among them are currently contesting the ongoing general polls.

Dilip Tirkey: The former captain of the Indian field hockey team is the only player in the world to turn up for his nation in 400 international matches, finishing with 412 caps. Tirkey, one of India’s mainstays during the 2000s, is an able administrator now. He is currently the President of Hockey India, the sport’s administrative body in the country. The Padma Shri awardee is also a member of Odisha’s incumbent BJD. Tirkey, who joined the political party in 2012, is facing competition from ex-Union Tribal Affairs Minister and BJP candidate Jual Oram in the Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat.

Md Azharuddin: After ending his controversy-marred cricket career, former India captain Md Azharuddin started his political journey by joining the Indian National Congress in 2009. While his start was triumphant, winning the general elections from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh in 2009, he failed to match his feat in the 2014 elections. He had also contested the Telangana Legislative Assembly election in 2023 from Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency, but lost to Bharat Rashtra Samithi candidate Maganti Gopinath.

Navjot Singh Sidhu: Known for his flamboyance with the bat, ex-Indian cricketer Sidhu, who seldom spoke during his playing days, made a complete transformation as a sharp-tongued commentator and cricket expect, following his retirement. Soon, other gigs followed, and he also featured as a judge in a long-running comedy reality show. Sidhu used his gift of the gab to good effect and joined politics. Like a seasoned politician, Sidhu has managed to be in the thick of action, working stints in both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress. He also teased working with the Aam Aadmi Party a few years ago. Currently, he’s working as an expert in the ongoing IPL.

Kirti Azad: One of the heroes in India’s glorious World Cup win in 1983 under the leadership of cricket icon Kapil Dev, Kirti Azad’s political career started in 1990 with the BJP. He followed in the footsteps of his father, former Chief Minister of Bihar Bhagwat Jha Azad. Kirti has had affiliations with the BJP, Congress and is currently a contestant in the ongoing general elections, as a candidate of the West Bengal-based TMC party.

Prasun Banerjee: This former Indian National team footballer is now an MP in the Lok Sabha from Howrah, West Bengal. Banerjee is a member of the TMC political party.

Gautam Gambhir: If Kapil Dev gave India and Indians a taste of global success, Mahendra Singh Dhoni took it to a new level with multiple wins, including the T20 World Cup victory in the inaugural edition in 2007 and the 50-over World Cup triumph in 2011. In both the wins, if there’s one man who lit up the final, it was Gautam Gambhir. His fine half-century gave India a fighting total, helping the team beat arch-rivals Pakistan in 2007 and then a well-crafted 97 off 122 balls at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011 against Sri Lanka helped Dhoni and his men lift the silverware. Gambhir entered politics in 2019, contesting the general polls with a BJP ticket. He won it by nearly 700,000 votes. However, Gambhir departed from politics earlier this year.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla: A cricket icon in India’s domestic circle, the former Bengal skipper is a member of the TMC. Shukla had served as the Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports in the West Bengal cabinet.

Manoj Tiwary: Much like his Bengal team colleague, Manoj Tiwary, former Indian National Cricket Team player, served as MOS of State for Youth Services and Sports in the state. Tiwary is a TMC party member.

Vijender Singh: The poster boy of boxing in India, Singh is the first pugilist to win a medal for the nation at the Olympics, clinching a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. While his political journey started with the Congress, he is currently a BJP member.

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore: Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is currently the cabinet minister at the Industry & Commerce, Youth Affairs & Sports Department in the Government of Rajasthan. Rathore won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in the Double Trap (shooting) event. He joined the BJP in 2013 and has been a member since.