Vinesh Phogat Slams WFI for Running Office from Brij Bhushan Singh Residence Amid Controversy

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The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has confirmed that its office is currently operating from the residence of former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at 21, Ashoka Road, New Delhi. This revelation has sparked sharp criticism from wrestler and Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat.

She accused the central government of allowing Singh to maintain control despite the sexual harassment allegations against him. Phogat took to social media platform X to express her discontent.

She stated, "Even now this control is there so that girls do not testify against him in the court and they remain afraid for their career. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya ji, I hope you will open your eyes someday."

According to a report in The Hindu, the WFI admitted to working from Singh's residence but described it as a temporary arrangement. A WFI official explained that they had previously operated from a small office in Hari Nagar but were seeking a better space. The shift to a full-fledged office was delayed.

It was due to the uncertainty caused by the federation's suspension by the Sports Ministry in December 2023. The WFI announced plans to move to a new office in Connaught Place early next month, with an official stating, "On Basant Panchami, we will move to the new office in CP. All this confusion is due to the suspension."

Background of the Controversy

The Sports Ministry suspended WFI in December 2023 after the announcement of national championships during the election of new office bearers. The federation was accused of violating regulations by giving only a 10-day notice instead of the required 15 days.

Despite the suspension, WFI moved forward with the championships in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which further escalated tensions. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP leader, is facing allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation, which led to widespread protests by prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat.

Wrestlers staged demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, demanding action against Singh, who was denied a BJP ticket in the 2024 elections in favor of his son. Meanwhile, Singh downplayed the issue, stating that the federation is looking for a new place and added, "It is not a big issue regarding the location of the WFI office. It will be decided by the federation, and they are looking for it."