Ace Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has, for the first time, revealed that she is one of the six women wrestlers who filed a formal sexual harassment complaint against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Breaking her silence even as the matter remains sub-judice, Phogat also issued a strong warning to the Central Government and the Sports Ministry over the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament scheduled to be held in Gonda, a region widely seen as Brij Bhushan's stronghold.
In a video shared on social media, she said that while Supreme Court of India guidelines protect the identity of victims to preserve their dignity, she felt compelled to speak out given the current situation.
"Three years ago, we raised our voices against sexual harassment. Six women wrestlers have already testified before the court. I did not want to speak while the case is still pending, but I want to tell you all today: I myself am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing," she said.
The Commonwealth and Asian Games medallist raised serious concerns over the fairness of the WFI's National Open Ranking Tournament, scheduled from May 12 to 14 in Gonda. She alleged that the choice of venue itself compromises the integrity of the competition.
"Every hardworking athlete will get their due there — this is something very unlikely and almost impossible. Who will referee whose match, how many points a referee will give... all of this will be controlled by Brij Bhushan and his people," she claimed.
She also questioned the transparency of key procedures like weigh-ins, saying she does not believe all wrestlers will be assessed fairly or that results will truly reflect their effort on the mat.
Phogat further alleged that despite Brij Bhushan's official removal as WFI chief, he continues to exert influence over the federation, while the Sports Ministry has remained a "silent spectator".
Announcing that she will still travel to Gonda for the tournament, she added, "I will also be attending the ranking competition; my team and my well-wishers will be there with me. If any untoward incident happens to anyone, I want to make it clear: the government will be held directly responsible."
This marks a major development in the ongoing wrestling controversy, with Phogat now publicly identifying herself as one of the complainants. She said she had earlier chosen to remain anonymous in line with legal protections, but recent developments pushed her to come forward.
She also linked the situation to what she described as attempts to block her return to competitive wrestling ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, reiterating that holding trials in Gonda makes it "almost impossible" to expect a fair and unbiased process.
One of the most prominent faces of the protests against the former WFI chief, Phogat also spoke about the emotional and mental toll such circumstances take on athletes, especially women who have faced similar experiences.
The case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is still ongoing, with testimonies continuing to be recorded. Over the years, several wrestlers have accused him of serious misconduct — allegations he has consistently denied.
Phogat's statement once again brings the focus back on athlete safety and governance in Indian wrestling, highlighting the continuing tension between athletes and the federation, and raising broader questions around accountability and fairness in sport.
