NEW DELHI: In a big revelation, decorated wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Sunday said that she is one of the six women wrestlers who had filed complaints of sexual harassment against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.The case against Brij Bhushan is still in court, with testimonies ongoing. Vinesh said she had earlier decided not to reveal her identity and wanted to let the legal process continue.
“The Supreme Court guidelines say that the identity of any victim should not be revealed, because 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 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 one of the main faces of the protests held at Jantar Mantar in 2023 against Brij Bhushan.She said her decision to speak now is linked to the WFI’s plan to hold ranking tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which she described as a place where Brij Bhushan has influence. She said the trials are being held at a private college owned by him and raised concerns about fair competition.Vinesh also said the Indian government would be responsible if anything happens to her or her team during the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda. She also spoke about concerns over officiating during her return to competition.In a video message before her comeback after nearly 18 months, she said the event is being held at a venue connected to Brij Bhushan and that the outcome could be influenced.“If any untoward incident happens to me, my team or supporters during the competition, the Indian government will be responsible,” Vinesh reiterated, while asking the media and sports community to be present at the venue.“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,” she added.The 31-year-old said she has resumed training and wants to return to competition and win medals, but said she is not sure about getting 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 said.She also spoke about the pressure of competing in what she described as a difficult environment, especially as one of the complainants in the case against Singh.Referring to the Supreme Court’s guidelines, she said she felt the need to speak because of 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 also said 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. She has earlier competed in 50kg and 53kg.She has not taken part in competitions since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified from the final for being overweight.Before that, there was a standoff between wrestlers and the WFI over the allegations against Singh.The protests that started in 2023 included several leading wrestlers, including Olympic medallists, who called for action against the then WFI chief.Multiple women wrestlers filed complaints, which led to the ongoing legal case.Singh has denied all allegations.
