The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh on Sunday stated that the venue for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda will not be altered, even as Vinesh Phogat raised concerns regarding safety and officiating prior to her return to competitive wrestling.
Singh emphasized that participation in the event is optional, and the decision to compete rests with the wrestler. In a video message before her comeback after nearly 18 months, Vinesh expressed that the event, being held at a venue linked to former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, could see results influenced by individuals close to him.
"If Vinesh is worried about her safety, let me assure her that I am taking personal guarantee of that. Also, we have UWW-approved referees who officiate and all trial bouts are recorded, so there is no chance of any bias," Sanjay Singh was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. "And let me add that this is an Open tournament which is not mandatory. The choice is hers to compete. We are not going to change the venue," he added.
The National Open Ranking Tournament is scheduled to take place from May 10 to 12. It will begin with men's freestyle trials, followed by Greco Roman on May 11 and women's events on May 12. Earlier in the day, Vinesh had voiced her apprehensions.
"If any untoward incident happens to me, my team or supporters during the competition, the Indian government will be responsible," she said, urging the media and sports community to be present. "The tournament is being organised at a place where his (Brij Bhushan) 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," she added.
The 31-year-old wrestler, who stepped away from the sport after her disqualification at the Paris Games and has recently resumed training, said she wants to return and win medals but is uncertain about a fair contest. "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 stated.
She also spoke about the mental pressure of competing in what she described as a difficult environment, especially as one of the complainants in the sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Phogat revealed that she is among the six women wrestlers who had filed complaints of sexual harassment against the former WFI chief.
Referring to Supreme Court guidelines on protecting the identity of victims, she said she felt compelled to speak due to the circumstances. "The Supreme Court guidelines say that the identity of any victim should not be revealed, because it concerns their dignity and honour," Vinesh said. "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."
"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 also alleged that authorities have not acted and that the government and sports ministry were "watching as spectators" and had given a "free hand" to Singh.
Vinesh will compete in the 57kg category in Gonda, having previously competed in 50kg and 53kg categories.
