In a startling revelation, Olympian Vinesh Phogat — the face of the 2023 New Delhi protests at Jantar Mantar — has identified herself as one of the six women who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Speaking in a video shared on social media, Phogat also alleged inaction from the government.
Three years ago, several top Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallists, demanded action against Brij Bhushan, then the federation chief, after multiple women filed complaints of sexual harassment. The matter led to legal proceedings that are still underway, with Brij Bhushan denying all allegations.
The controversy also triggered upheaval within the WFI, including suspension of its activities and repeated intervention by the sports ministry.
Taking to social media on Sunday, Phogat — now a politician after winning the Haryana Assembly elections from the Julana constituency on a Congress ticket in October 2024 — revealed that she was among the six complainants. She said she was compelled to break her anonymity 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. 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,” she said in the video.
She further alleged inaction from authorities, claiming that the government and the sports ministry were “watching as spectators” and had effectively given a “free hand” to Brij Bhushan.
Phogat, who has been away from competition since the 2024 Paris Games after being disqualified from the final for being overweight, released the video ahead of her return at the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda — a venue she claims is linked to the former WFI chief.
The decorated wrestler expressed concerns about a possible attempt to derail her comeback ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, warning of potential “biased officiating” at the event. She said the Indian government would be responsible if anything untoward were to happen to her or her team during the competition.
“If any untoward incident happens to me, my team or supporters during the competition, the Indian government will be responsible,” Vinesh said, urging the media and the sporting community to be present to ensure transparency.
“The tournament is being organised at a place where his (Brij) influence is strong. Who will officiate which bout, how many points will be awarded, who will sit as mat chairman — everything can be controlled by him and his people,” she added.
“I don’t want any privilege or special treatment. I only want that results reflect the hard work of athletes on the mat,” she said.
