Vinesh Phogat on Sunday publicly confirmed that she was among the six women wrestlers who filed sexual harassment complaints against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Charan Singh.
Ahead of her long-awaited return to competitive wrestling, Phogat shared a video on X, explaining why she chose to speak out even though the issue is still being processed.
“But today, due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you something,” Fenech said. “I didn’t want to talk while the case is still pending, but I want to say that I personally am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimony is still ongoing.”
The statement comes just days before Phogat returns to competition at the National Open Ranking Championship, scheduled to be held from May 10-12 in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The event will mark her first competition since the 2024 Paris Olympics and her debut in the 57kg category.
The tournament is also a crucial step in qualifying for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Safety concerns about Jonda’s location
Phogat, who was one of the main faces of the 2023 protests against the WFI chief in Jantar Mantar, raised concerns about the competition in Gonda, citing safety issues and mental stress due to Singh’s alleged influence in the area.
She said: “Imagine if I went to his house and to his college (to participate), where every person would be connected to him. Every person would represent him. I went there to fight in the competition. In such a difficult situation, we athletes are exposed to psychological pressure.”
“Our team and the entire country expect us to do well. I don’t think I will be able to give 100% there. It is very difficult for a girl to compete in such a situation,” Phogat went on to say.
Questions about the action against Singh
Fugate again questioned the lack of action against Singh, referring to his public statements and continuing influence.
She added: “Even today, Brij Bhushan says that he is running the wrestling federation. He says this in front of the entire country. But the sports ministry or the government is not taking any action.”
“If I go to that competition, my team will be with me. We will also have well-wishers. If there is any incident with anyone, I want to tell you all that the government will be responsible for it,” Phogat said.
She also expressed concern over his statements: “Brig Bhushan himself says on camera that he killed a man. However, he did not get any punishment. So you can think about his mentality. What can he do? Anything can happen to anyone.”
“I don’t want any privilege or any special treatment for myself. I just want the decision on the mat to be based on the hard work of every athlete. Not by any fools,” she said.
Fugate called for greater scrutiny, urging the sporting community and media to remain present during the tournament.
Decorated career
Phogat, one of India’s most accomplished wrestlers, has won gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in the 53kg category, apart from his outstanding performances on the Olympic stage.
The 31-year-old had previously announced her retirement after failing to achieve the gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, but she retracted the decision last December and set her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
