In a significant development, decorated wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Sunday disclosed that she is among the six women wrestlers who had filed complaints of sexual harassment against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Legal Proceedings and Identity Revelation
The case against Brij Bhushan remains in court, with testimonies continuing. Vinesh stated that she had initially decided not to reveal her identity and intended to let the legal process take its course. However, she felt compelled to speak out due to recent circumstances.
In a video shared on social media on May 3, Vinesh said, "The Supreme Court guidelines say that the identity of any victim should not be revealed, because it concerns their dignity and honour. But today, due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you all something. I did not want to speak while the case is still pending... But I want to say that I myself am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing."
Vinesh was a prominent figure in the protests held at Jantar Mantar in 2023 against Brij Bhushan.
Concerns Over Upcoming Tournaments
She linked her decision to speak now to the WFI's plan to hold ranking tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which she described as a location where Brij Bhushan wields influence. She expressed concerns that these trials are being conducted at a private college owned by him, raising doubts about fair competition.
Vinesh also warned that the Indian government would be held responsible if any harm comes to her or her team during the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda. She voiced apprehensions about officiating during her return to competition.
In a video message ahead of her comeback after nearly 18 months, she stated that the event is being held at a venue connected to Brij Bhushan and that the outcome could be manipulated. "If any untoward incident happens to me, my team or supporters during the competition, the Indian government will be responsible," Vinesh reiterated, urging the media and sports community to be present at the venue.
She added, "The tournament is being organised at a place where his (Brij) influence is strong. Who will officiate which bout, how many points will be awarded, who will sit as mat chairman, everything can be controlled by him and his people."
Return to Competition and Political Career
The 31-year-old wrestler said she has resumed training and aims to return to competition and win medals, but she is uncertain about receiving a fair chance. "I don't want any privilege or special treatment. I only want that results should reflect the hard work of athletes on the mat," she asserted.
Vinesh has since entered politics and won the Haryana assembly election from Julana on a Congress ticket in October 2024.
She also discussed the pressure of competing in what she described as a challenging environment, particularly as one of the complainants in the case against Singh. Referring to the Supreme Court's guidelines, she explained that she felt compelled to speak due to the situation.
"I am one of the six women wrestlers who filed complaints. The case is still in court and witnesses are being examined. Competing at a place linked to him, where most people present may be associated with him, puts immense mental pressure on me," she said. "I doubt if I will be able to give my 100 per cent in that environment."
She further accused authorities of inaction, stating that the government and sports ministry were "watching as spectators" and had given a "free hand" to Singh.
Competition Details and Background
Vinesh will compete in the 57kg category in Gonda, having previously competed in 50kg and 53kg. She has not participated in competitions since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified from the final for being overweight.
Prior to that, a standoff between wrestlers and the WFI had ensued over the allegations against Singh. The protests that began in 2023 involved several leading wrestlers, including Olympic medallists, who demanded action against the then WFI chief. Multiple women wrestlers filed complaints, leading to the ongoing legal case. Singh has denied all allegations.
The issue also prompted changes within the WFI, including suspension of activities and involvement of the sports ministry at various stages.
