New Delhi: Big revelation, the wrestler decorated. Vinesh Phogat said on Sunday that she is one of the six women wrestlers who filed a sexual harassment complaint against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.The case against Brij Bhushan is still in court, testimony is ongoing. Vinesh said she had earlier decided not to reveal her identity and wanted to let the legal process continue.“The Supreme Court’s guidelines state that the identity of any victim should not be disclosed, as it concerns their dignity and honor,” Vinesh said in a video shared on social media on Sunday, May 3.“But today, due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you something. I didn’t want to talk while the case is still pending… but I want to say that I myself am one of the six victims who filed the complaint, and our testimonies are still going on.” Vinesh was one of the main faces of the 2023 Jantar Mantar protests against Brij Bhushan.He said his decision to speak now was linked to the WFI’s plan to hold ranking tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which he described as a place where Brij Bhushan has influence. He said the trials were being held at a private college owned by him and expressed concerns about fair competition.Vinesh also said that the Government of India will be responsible if anything happens to him or his team during the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda. He also spoke about concerns about liability during his return to competition.In a video message before his return nearly 18 months later, he said the event was being held at a venue attached to the Brij Bhushan and the result could be affected.“If anything untoward happens to me, my team or supporters during the competition, the Indian government will be responsible,” Vinesh reiterated, asking the media and sports community to be present at the venue.“The tournament is being held in a place where he (Bridge) has a strong influence. Who will perform which bout, how many points will be awarded, who will sit as chairman, everything can be controlled by him and his people,” he added.The 31-year-old said she has started training again and wants to return to competition and win medals, but said she is not sure if she will get a fair chance.“I don’t want any privileges or special treatment,” she said. I just want the results to reflect the hard work of the players on the mat.Vinesh is now in politics and won the Haryana Assembly election from Jolana in October 2024 on a Congress ticket.He also spoke about the pressure of competing in what he described as a tough environment, especially as one of the complainants in the case against Singh.Citing Supreme Court guidelines, he said he felt the need to speak out due to the situation.“I am one of the six female wrestlers who have filed complaints. The case is still in court and witnesses are being examined. Competing in a place associated with it, where most people can relate to it, puts a lot of stress on me,” she said.“I doubt if I will be able to give my 100 percent in this environment.”He also said that the authorities have not acted and the government and the sports ministry are “watching as spectators” and have given Singh a “free hand”.Vinesh will compete in the 57 kg category in Gonda. She has previously competed in 50 kg and 53 kg.He has not competed since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was disqualified from the finals for being overweight.Earlier, there was a standoff between the wrestlers and the WFI over the allegations against Singh.The protests that began in 2023 included several top wrestlers, including Olympic medalists, who demanded action against the then WFI chief.Several female wrestlers filed complaints, which led to a lawsuit.Singh has denied all the allegations.The issue also led to changes within the WFI, including the suspension of activities and the involvement of the Ministry of Sports at various stages.
