Olympian and politician Vinesh Phogat has revealed in a video message that she was one of the six victims and complainants in the sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She made the revelation while hinting at fears of bias in the upcoming tournament, which she said would be “controlled” by “the men of Brij Bhushan” Singh.
After retiring from wrestling in 2024, Phogat said she started preparing for the tournament again. “I want to go on the wrestling mat again and bring medals for the county,” she said.
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She said the wrestling federation has organized a points tournament to be held in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. She said that Brij Bhushan has his residence and private college in Gonda.
Phogat will compete in the 57kg category in Gonda. In the past, she competed in 50 kg and 53 kg.
“I am one of the six victims”
In a video shared on Instagram, Vinesh Phogat said, “I am one of the six victims who filed complaints (against Brij Bhushan). The case is still in court and witnesses are being examined. Competing at a place associated with him, where most of the people present can be associated with him, puts immense mental pressure on me.”
She expressed concern about the mental strain of competing in what she described as a hostile environment, particularly in light of her role as one of the complainants in the ongoing sexual harassment case against Singh.
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“I doubt I will be able to give 100 percent in this environment,” said Vinesh Phogat.
She further claimed that the authorities did nothing and said that the government and the sports ministry “watched as spectators” and essentially gave Singh a “free hand”.
“The Government of India will be responsible if . . .”
Awarded wrestler Vinesh Phogat has warned that the Indian government will be held responsible if anything untoward happens to its members or its team members during the upcoming national open in Gonda.
Phogat alleged that the contest, which is to be held in a seat associated with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, could see the results influenced by persons close to the former WFI chief.
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“If any untoward incident happens to me, my team or the fans during the competition, the Government of India will be held responsible,” reiterated Vinesh, urging the media and sports community to be present at the venue to ensure transparency.
“The tournament is held at a place where his (Brij’s) influence is strong. Who will decide which match, how many points will be awarded, who will sit as mat chairman, everything can be controlled by him and his people,” Vinesh added.
Vinesh Phogat returns
Vinesh Phogat has been out of competition since the 2024 Paris Games after being disqualified from the finals for being overweight.
She won the Haryana Assembly election from Julana constituency on a Congress ticket in October 2024.
Prior to this, there was a long-running dispute between the top wrestlers and the WFI over allegations of sexual harassment against Singh.
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The protests, which began in 2023, saw several top players, including Olympic medalists, demanding action against the then head of the federation.
Several female wrestlers filed complaints, leading to a lawsuit that is currently ongoing.
Brij Bhushan Singh has denied all the allegations.
The controversy also led to an administrative upheaval in the WFI, including the suspension of activities and the intervention of the Sports Ministry at various stages.
