Vinesh Phogat has publicly confirmed that she is among the six women wrestlers who filed sexual harassment complaints against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Speaking ahead of her much-anticipated return to competitive wrestling, Phogat shared a video statement explaining her decision to come forward while the case is still under legal consideration.
In her message, Vinesh Phogat said she had initially chosen to remain silent as the matter is sub judice, but current circumstances compelled her to speak openly. She confirmed that she is one of the complainants and that the testimonies in the case are still ongoing. Her statement adds a significant personal dimension to a case that has drawn national attention and triggered widespread debate on athlete safety and accountability in sports administration.
The development comes just days before Phogat’s return to the mat at the National Open Ranking Tournament, scheduled from May 10 to 12 in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. This will mark her first competition since the Paris Olympics 2024 and her debut in the 57kg category. The tournament is also crucial for qualification to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Phogat also raised concerns regarding the venue in Gonda, citing safety issues and mental pressure due to the alleged influence of Singh in the region. Her remarks highlight the ongoing challenges faced by athletes navigating both professional commitments and sensitive legal battles.