In a significant development concerning the ongoing issues with the wrestling administration, Olympian Vinesh Phogat has publicly stated that she is one of six female wrestlers who were allegedly sexually harassed by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This revelation was made during a heartfelt video address, marking Phogat’s first public acknowledgment as a victim in the pending criminal case against Singh.

Phogat explained that her decision to disclose her identity stemmed from what she described as a “coordinated attempt” by the current WFI to undermine her efforts to return to competition ahead of the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. She initially preferred to maintain her anonymity for the sake of dignity and honour, as outlined by Supreme Court guidelines on victim identification.

“Today, due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you all something. I did not want to speak while the case is still pending… I myself am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing,” Phogat stated.

Concerns About Upcoming Trials in Gonda

The timing of Phogat’s announcement coincides with the WFI’s decision to conduct ranking tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which is claimed to be a stronghold of Brij Bhushan. The wrestler raised concerns over the fairness of the competition, alleging that the trials are being organised at a private institution owned by the former WFI chief.

“He has his own private college, and this competition is being organised there. It is highly unlikely that every hard-working athlete will receive an equal opportunity in that environment,” she added. Phogat’s comments suggest a deep mistrust towards the existing arrangements that may favour athletes connected to Brij Bhushan.

Furthermore, she voiced concerns about the ongoing influence of Singh within the federation, claiming that decisions regarding refereeing and scoring will still be controlled by him and his associates. She expressed disappointment that the government and sports ministry appear to be passive observers in the situation.

Challenges Ahead for Phogat’s Athletic Career

As Vinesh Phogat continues her preparation for the Asian Games following an 18-month break from competitive wrestling, she has expressed doubts about her ability to compete effectively under these stressful circumstances. She highlighted the difficulty of competing in an atmosphere closely associated with her alleged harasser.

“You can imagine – going to his place, to his own college, where every person would be connected to him… competing in such a situation is extremely difficult. Even after that, whether I will be able to go there and give my 100 per cent – I do not think so,” Phogat remarked, underscoring the mental and emotional weight she carries.

Phogat’s revelations and concerns about the current state of affairs within the WFI bring renewed attention to the need for the Indian sports ministry to take action regarding the safety and integrity of the sport. The ongoing legal proceedings and the WFI’s organisation practices have generated significant public interest and calls for accountability.

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