Vinesh Phogat Reveals She Is One of Six Complainants in Brij Bhushan Case

Indian Olympian Vinesh Phogat has publicly revealed that she is one of the six women who filed sexual harassment complaints against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The revelation came through a video message shared on social media ahead of her expected return to competition at an upcoming ranking tournament in Gonda. This marks the first time Phogat has identified herself as one of the complainants in the ongoing criminal case, where witness testimonies are still underway.

"The Supreme Court guidelines say that the identity of any victim should not be revealed, because it concerns their dignity and honour," Vinesh said. "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."

Vinesh Phogat raises concerns over fairness of trials in Gonda

Phogat said her decision to speak publicly was influenced by concerns surrounding upcoming ranking tournaments organised in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh - a location she alleged is closely associated with Brij Bhushan.

She claimed that holding trials at a venue linked to the former WFI chief raises doubts about fairness and transparency in athlete selection.

"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.

Phogat also alleged that despite his removal from official roles, individuals linked to him continue to influence decision-making processes within the federation.

"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."

Comeback concerns ahead of Asian Games preparation

The wrestler, who returned to training after an extended break following her Olympic campaign, said the current circumstances have made it difficult for her to focus fully on competition.

She highlighted the psychological challenges of competing in an environment she believes is linked to individuals she has accused.

"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," she added.

She further expressed uncertainty about whether she would be able to perform at her best under such conditions.

"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

Background: 2023 protests and ongoing legal proceedings

Phogat was one of the leading figures during the 2023 protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where several prominent wrestlers demanded action against Brij Bhushan over alleged harassment.

The legal case against Brij Bhushan remains ongoing, with testimonies from complainants currently being heard in court. He has previously denied all allegations against him.

The controversy had drawn national and international attention at the time, including scrutiny from global sporting bodies and pressure on Indian sports authorities to address athlete safety concerns.

Fresh pressure likely on WFI and sports authorities

Phogat's public identification as one of the complainants is expected to intensify scrutiny on the Wrestling Federation of India and related authorities, particularly regarding athlete safety and governance.

Her statement also brings renewed focus to the administrative handling of wrestling trials and selection processes, especially as athletes prepare for upcoming international competitions.

With the legal proceedings still underway, her disclosure marks a significant development in one of Indian sport's most closely followed cases.