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Olympian Vinesh Phogat on May 3 posted a video on her social media, alleging that she is one of the six female wresters sexually harassed by ex-Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Vinesh said that she has decided to break her anonymity despite the case being still pending due to 'certain circumstances'.
"The Supreme Court guidelines say that the identity of any victim should not be revealed, because it concerns their dignity and honour," Vinesh said.
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"But today, due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you all something. I did not want to speak while the case is still pending... But I want to say that I myself am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing.
"For a woman, competing in such a situation is very difficult, and every athlete who has gone through such a situation can relate to this.”
Why Vinesh wants a change in venue for trials?
The main reason behind Vinesh breaking her anonymity in the case is Sanjay Singh-led WFI's decision to schedule the hold ranking tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, a strong hold of Bhushan. Vinesh further alleged that the trails are being organised at Bhushan's private college. She fears that it won't be a fair competition. She said that result of the game won't be based on how she plays and alleges that the referees are unlikely to give points in her favour as Sanjay is also a close associate of Brij Bhushan.
"He has his own private college, and this competition is being organised there. That every hardworking athlete will get their due there-this is something very unlikely and almost impossible," she stated.
"Who will referee whose match, how many points a referee will give... all of this will be controlled by Brij Bhushan and his people. And the government and our sports ministry are watching this as silent spectators," she added.
‘Situation is extremely difficult’
The 31-year-old has been away from the action since 2024 Paris Olympics where she was disqualified for being overweight on the morning of the gold medal match. She expressed that going to the college owned by Brij Bhushan will be an ‘extremely difficult’ for her where she won't be able to perform to the best of her abilities.
"You can imagine – going to his place, to his own college, where every person would be connected to him... going there and competing in such a situation is extremely difficult. Even after that, whether I will be able to go there and give my 100 per cent-I do not think so," she further added.
Vinesh's video message is set to create pressure on Indian sports ministry while she continues her preparation for the Asian Games.
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