Vinesh Phogat says she complained against Brij Bhushan, warns govt ahead of Gonda return

Vinesh Phogat, who has given India international medals in wrestling, said on Sunday (May 3) that the Indian government would bear responsibility if any harm came to her or her team members during the forthcoming National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. She also expressed concerns regarding potential "biased officiating" in what is her comeback competition.

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She also said that she was one of the six women wrestlers who filed complaints against Singh.

Vinesh gives strong video message

In a video message prior to her return after nearly a year and a half, the wrestler-politician claimed that the upcoming competition, scheduled to take place at a location associated with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the accused former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), might have its outcomes swayed by those connected to him.

🇮🇳🙏 pic.twitter.com/hQrGmMLMrS

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) May 3, 2026

“If any untoward incident happens to me, my team or supporters during the competition, the Indian government will be responsible,” Vinesh said, while urging the media and the sporting community to be present at the venue to see that transparency is maintained.

'Tournament where Singh's influence is strong'

“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,” the sportsperson further added.

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The 31-year-old Olympian, who has resumed training in recent months, said she wants to return to the mat “honestly” and win medals for the country again, but expressed doubts over a level-playing field.

“I don't want any privilege or special treatment. I only want that results should reflect the hard work of athletes on the mat,” she said.

Vinesh, along with some other decorated Indian wrestlers, resorted to street protests against Singh over several allegations, including sexual harassment. She remains one of the most identifiable faces of the protest against the former WFI chief in Jantar Mantar in Delhi in 2023.

'I am one of the six women who filed complaints'

The wrestler, who is now a Congress member of the Haryana state Assembly, also voiced concern over the mental pressure of competing in an environment she described as hostile, particularly given her role as one of the protesters against Singh.

Invoking the Supreme Court’s guidelines on protecting the identity and dignity of victims, Phogat said she felt compelled to speak publicly due to the circumstances.

“I am one of the six women wrestlers who filed complaints. The case is still in court, and witnesses are being examined. Competing at a place linked to him, where most people present may be associated with him, puts immense mental pressure on me,” she said.

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“I doubt if I will be able to give my 100 per cent in that environment.” She further alleged inaction from authorities, saying the government and sports ministry were "watching as spectators" and had effectively given a "free hand" to Singh.

Vinesh will compete in the 57kg division in Gonda. She has competed in 50kg and 53kg in the past.

The wrestler has been away from competition since the 2024 Paris Games after getting disqualified from the final for being overweight.

(With agency inputs)