I am one of the victims of Brij Bhushan: Vinesh Phogat

It was learnt that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is away from Gonda, and his family members refused to comment when approached.

WFI president Sanjay Singh assured Phogat of personal safety and stated that UWW-approved referees will officiate and all trial bouts will be recorded to prevent bias.

Phogat will compete in the 57kg category at the tournament, up from the 50kg she competed in at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The National Open Ranking Tournament is scheduled to be held from May 10-12 at Nandini Nagar Mahavidhyalaya in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s home turf). The schedule includes men’s freestyle on May 10, Greco-Roman on May 11, and women’s events on May 12.

In a video posted on social media, Phogat said she is one of the six victims who filed complaints against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and that their testimonies are ongoing, referencing Supreme Court guidelines on victim identity. She expressed concerns about competing in Gonda and safety during the event.

In May 2025, a Delhi Court accepted the Delhi Police’s cancellation report, closing the POCSO case filed by the minor connected to the Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh case.

The article notes Phogat’s return to the mat after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified in the final for being overweight by 100 grams.

Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia led a 36-day sit-in protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, calling for action over sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The protest contributed to a major shake-up in the Wrestling Federation of India, with administration handed to an ad hoc committee and fresh elections held to keep Singh out.