New Delhi: In a startling disclosure that intensifies the prolonged legal battle in Indian wrestling, Olympian and Haryanvi legislator Vinesh Phogat publicly identified herself as a victim in the ongoing sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The wrestler, who is preparing for a competitive return after a 20-month hiatus, took to social media with a video message on Sunday. She stated that she was compelled to breach the standard judicial decorum of protecting a victim’s identity due to the WFI’s decision to host a crucial ranking competition in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh-the native district of Brij Bhushan Singh.
“I am one of the six victims who filed the complaint. The court proceedings are ongoing, and Supreme Court guidelines strictly say the identity of a victim should not be revealed to protect their dignity. But today, circumstances have forced me to tell you all,” Phogat stated in her video address.
Her decision to end her silence stems from deep-seated concerns regarding the integrity of the upcoming ranking tournament. Vinesh expressed severe apprehensions about competing at a venue situated inside the private college of the former WFI president. She argued that the proximity of Brij Bhushan’s associates would heavily compromise the neutrality of officiating and athlete security. “Who will referee which match, who will award the points, and who wins or loses will all be controlled by Brij Bhushan and his men,” she alleged.
Phogat explicitly questioned the mental well-being of female wrestlers who are survivors of harassment. She asserted that battling such psychological pressure while being expected to deliver peak athletic performance on the accused’s home turf makes it nearly impossible to give “100 percent” on the mat. The wrestler also launched a direct critique of the Sports Ministry, accusing the government of remaining a “mute spectator” despite these public concerns.
Raising a direct alarm over player safety and linking it to prior public statements made by Brij Bhushan, Vinesh warned that the government would be held entirely responsible should any untoward incident occur. “The man says openly on camera that he committed a murder and got no punishment. Imagine his mentality. If any mishap happens to my team or well-wishers during the competition, the Government of India will be solely responsible for it,” she asserted.
She concluded her appeal not by seeking special privileges, but by demanding that contests on the mat be decided purely on the basis of an athlete’s hard work, rather than the whims of a “goon.” Her return to the sport has already been marred by friction, as she recently accused the current WFI dispensation of deliberately obstructing her registration—a charge dismissed by WFI President Sanjay Singh as an unnecessary ruckus.
