Vinesh Phogat made serious allegations against former WFI Chief, said- ‘Brij Bhushan had harassed me, I was included in those 6 victims…’

New Delhi, 3 May. In a big and shocking revelation in the Indian wrestling world, Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has publicly admitted for the first time that she is among the six female players who had accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment.

Expressed his grief in an emotional video message

Vinesh, 31, who has won several medals in international events including the World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, said in an emotional video message released on Sunday that she did not want to reveal her identity as the case was still pending in the court and the Supreme Court guidelines mandate keeping the identity of the victims confidential. But the current situation, especially the obstacles in his return, forced him to take this step.

pic.twitter.com/hQrGmMLMrS

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) May 3, 2026

Concern expressed regarding selection trials in Gonda before Asian Games

Vinesh Phogat directly questioned the WFI, alleging that the trials ahead of the 2026 Asian Games are being deliberately held in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which is considered to be the stronghold of Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. He said that this competition is being conducted in a private college, due to which the possibility of fair selection becomes very less.

Phogat said, ‘I myself am one of the six victims who had filed the complaint and whose testimony is still going on. In such an environment, it is very difficult for a player to perform to his full potential.

Brijbhushan still has influence on the functioning of WFI

He also alleged that even though Brijbhushan Sharan Singh no longer holds an official position, his influence on the functioning of the WFI still remains. He said that people close to him can influence who will be the referee in the matches and who will get how many points.

It is noteworthy that this entire controversy came into limelight in 2023 when top wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia staged a long strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. During that time, the police action against the wrestlers had faced criticism at the international level and even the International Olympic Committee had expressed concern over this matter.

However, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh has consistently denied these allegations. He also got relief in one case, but the hearing on serious allegations like sexual harassment and stalking in the case related to Vinesh Phogat and other female wrestlers is still going on.

Phogat preparing to return to the mat after a break of 18 months

The important fact is that Vinesh Phogat is preparing to return to the mat after a break of about 18 months. He clearly said that it would be very difficult for him mentally and emotionally to go to Gonda and compete in such an environment. This revelation by Vinesh has once again raised serious questions on the Indian sports system, safety of players and transparency of the wrestling association. Now all eyes are on what stance the government and the Sports Ministry take in the whole matter.