Vinesh Phogat unmasks as sexual harassment complainant against Brij Bhushan

NEW DELHI: Olympian Vinesh Phogat has revealed that she is one of the six female wrestlers who filed a formal complaint of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The athlete made the disclosure today through a video shared on social media. Phogat stated that she had withheld her identity until now to maintain her personal dignity and in adherence to Supreme Court guidelines regarding the privacy of complainants.

Phogat clarified that while she initially preferred to remain anonymous while the case was sub judice, she felt compelled to speak out following the decision to hold WFI ranking tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The competitions are being held at a private college owned by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The wrestler reiterated that if any harm were to befall her or her team during the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, the central government would be held fully responsible. She noted that since the tournament is being held in Brij Bhushan’s stronghold, he and his associates would maintain significant influence over the proceedings, including the selection of referees and the awarding of points. Phogat expressed that competing under such circumstances has placed her under immense mental pressure.

The 31-year-old athlete criticised the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the government for being "mere spectators" while no substantial action was taken against Brij Bhushan. She emphasised that she is not seeking special favours but rather equal opportunities for all athletes. This marks Vinesh's first competitive appearance since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified from the final for being overweight. Previously a competitor in the 50kg and 53kg categories, Phogat is set to compete in the 57kg category in Gonda. Notably, Vinesh Phogat was a prominent face of the 2023 wrestlers' protest at Jantar Mantar.