Brij Bhushan Singh, Vinesh Phogat NEW DELHI: In a major revelation, decorated wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Sunday said she is one of the six wrestlers who have filed sexual harassment complaints against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.The case against Brij Bhushan is still in court, with testimony taking place. Vinesh said she had earlier decided not to reveal her identity and wanted to let the trial continue.“Supreme Court guidelines say that no victim’s identity should be revealed as it concerns their dignity and honour,” Vinesh said in a video shared on social media on Sunday, May 3.“But today, due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you all something. I didn’t want to speak until the case was resolved… But I want to say that I myself am one of the six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimony is still ongoing.” Vinesh was one of the main faces of the protests held at Jantar Mantar in 2023 against Brij Bhushan.She said her decision to speak out now was related to the WFI’s plan to hold points tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which she described as a place where Brij Bhushan has influence. She said the trials were held at a private college she owned and raised concerns about fair competition.Vinesh also said that the Indian government will be held responsible if anything happens to his or her team during the National Open in Gonda. She also spoke about concerns about officiating during her return to the competition.In a video message ahead of her comeback after almost 18 months, she said that the event is being held at a venue associated with Brij Bhushan and that the outcome may be affected.“If any untoward incident happens to me, my team or the fans during the competition, the Government of India will be held responsible,” Vinesh reiterated and asked the media and sports community to be present at the venue.“The tournament is held in a place where his (Brij’s) influence is strong. Who will decide which match, how many points will be awarded, who will sit as the chairman of the mat, everything can be controlled by him and his people,” she added.The 31-year-old said she has started training again and wants to return to competition and win medals, but is not sure she will get a fair chance.“I don’t want any privilege or special treatment. I just want the results to reflect the athletes’ hard work on the mat,” she said.She also spoke about the pressure of competition in what she described as a difficult environment, particularly as one of the complainants in the case against Singh.Citing Supreme Court guidelines, she said she felt the need to speak out because of the situation.“I am one of six wrestlers who filed complaints. The case is still in court and witnesses are being examined. Competing in a place associated with it, where most of the people present can be associated with it, puts immense psychological pressure on me,” she said.“I doubt I will be able to give 100 percent in this environment.”She also said that the authorities did not act and that the government and the sports ministry “watched as spectators” and gave Singh a “free hand”.Vinesh will compete in the 57 kg category in Gonda. She previously competed in the 50kg and 53kg categories.She has not competed since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified from the finals for being overweight.Earlier, there was a dispute between the wrestlers and the WFI over the allegations against Singh.The protests, which began in 2023, involved several top wrestlers, including Olympic medalists, calling for action against the then WFI boss.Several female wrestlers filed complaints, leading to an ongoing legal case.Singh has denied all the allegations.
