Vinesh Phogat Alleges She Was Among Six Harassed By Brij Bhushan
Phogat alleges harassment, raises safety concerns before tournament comeback.
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has made serious allegations ahead of her competitive return, claiming she was among six women who faced sexual harassment by former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in a case that remains under judicial scrutiny.
Phogat, a 2018 Asian Games gold medallist, is preparing to return to action after a prolonged absence but said her comeback has been overshadowed by concerns over athlete safety and fairness. Speaking ahead of a wrestling ranking tournament in Gonda—considered a stronghold of Singh—she raised apprehensions about the integrity of officiating and competition management, suggesting that match outcomes could be influenced by individuals close to the former WFI chief.
“I don’t want any privilege or special treatment. I only want that results should reflect the hard work of athletes on the mat,” Phogat said, pointing to concerns over referee appointments, scoring decisions, and the role of officials such as mat chairmen. She further alleged that both the government and sports authorities have failed to adequately intervene, allowing such conditions to persist.
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In a significant revelation, Phogat stated that she was among the six wrestlers who filed a sexual harassment complaint against Singh. The case, which has drawn national attention, has raised broader questions about governance and accountability within Indian wrestling. Phogat also highlighted the psychological toll of competing in what she described as a hostile environment, particularly for women athletes.
“For a woman athlete, it is very difficult to compete in such a situation. We already carry the pressure of expectations—from our teams and from the country,” she said, adding that the mental burden could affect performance. Her remarks underscore ongoing concerns around athlete welfare and the need for a safe and transparent sporting ecosystem.
Responding to the allegations, Sanjay Singh, the current president of the Wrestling Federation of India, assured that adequate security arrangements are in place. He stated that none of the referees officiating at the tournament would be linked to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and dismissed Phogat’s concerns as unfounded, noting that a large number of participating athletes had not raised similar issues.
Phogat, who has also entered politics and won the Julana assembly seat in Haryana on an Indian National Congress ticket in 2024, said her focus remains firmly on wrestling. Competing in the 57kg category after previously featuring in lower weight divisions, she is aiming for a strong comeback after an 18-month hiatus since the Paris Olympics, with her sights set on another Asian-level success later this year.
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