Google has released its ‘Year in Search 2024’ report, revealing the most searched personalities in India. Topping the list is wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat, whose journey this year captured significant public attention. Phogat, along with fellow Olympians Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, led protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh last year.
Phogat’s athletic career faced challenges during the Paris Olympics, where she reached the finals but had to withdraw due to exceeding the weight limit. Despite appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, her complaint was dismissed. After returning to India, she joined the Congress Party and contested from the Julana constituency in Haryana. Although Congress lost the elections, Phogat secured a victory from her constituency, driving a surge in Google searches about her.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ranked second. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, he reunited with the BJP-led NDA, and his party JD(U) secured 12 seats, becoming a key player in the central coalition government.
Chirag Paswan, chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), secured the third spot. He currently serves as a Union Minister in the BJP-led NDA government.
Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya ranked fourth after leading Mumbai Indians in the IPL and playing a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup victory against South Africa by bowling a decisive final over.
Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, took the fifth spot. Other notable names in the top ten include cricketers Shashank Singh and Abhishek Sharma, model Poonam Pandey, businesswoman Radhika Merchant, and badminton star Lakshya Sen.