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Vinesh Phogat publicly confirms she is among Brij Bhushan Singh victims ahead of National Open Ranking
Vinesh Phogat says she is one of six wrestlers who filed sexual harassment complaints against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She cites safety concerns about competing in Gonda as the National Open Ranking Tournament approaches, in a context shaped by past protests and legal actions against Singh.
Why It Matters
Her admission adds a personal dimension to a high-profile case affecting Indian wrestling governance and athlete safety, ahead of a major national tournament.
Timeline
8 Events
May 4, 2026: Brij Bhushan away from Gonda; family declines comment
May 4, 2026
It was learnt Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is away from Gonda, and his family members refused to comment on Phogat’s statement.
May 4, 2026: WFI president assures Phogat of safety and rules out venue change
May 4, 2026
WFI president Sanjay Singh assured Phogat of safety during the tournament and ruled out any change of venue.
May 4, 2026: Tournament details and location announced
May 4, 2026
The National Open Ranking Tournament is scheduled for May 10-12, 2026 at Nandini Nagar Mahavidhyalaya in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, described as Singh's home turf.
May 4, 2026: Phogat confirms she is among the six victims
May 4, 2026
In a video posted on social media, Phogat states that she is one of the six wrestlers who filed sexual harassment complaints against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and that their testimonies are ongoing; she cites safety concerns about competing in Gonda.
May 2025: Delhi Court closes the POCSO case against Brij Bhushan Singh
May 2025
In May 2025, a Delhi Court accepted the Delhi Police’s cancellation report and closed the POCSO case filed by the minor against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
2024: Paris Olympics participation and disqualification
2024
Phogat participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics but was disqualified on the day of her final for being overweight by 100 grams.
May 2023: WFI administration shake-up following protests
May 2023
The protest led to a shake-up in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) administration, with leadership handed over to an ad hoc committee before fresh elections were held.
April 2023: 36-day sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar led by Phogat, Malik and Punia
April 2023
Vinesh Phogat, along with Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, led a 36-day sit-in protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, which contributed to a major shake-up in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) administration.