NEW DELHI, May 2026 — In a raw and unfiltered address, Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat has reignited the fire of the “Wrestlers’ Protest,” accusing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of systemic intimidation by scheduling a national tournament at a venue owned by the very man she accused of sexual harassment.

Phogat, in a move that signals a breakdown of trust between elite athletes and the sports administration, also broke legal anonymity to identify herself as one of the primary complainants in the ongoing criminal case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The “Home Turf” Controversy

The latest flashpoint centers on a national ranking tournament recently announced by the WFI. The competition is set to take place in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, at a private college owned by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Phogat argues that hosting a national event on the personal property of an accused predator is a calculated move to exert control. “Who wins and who loses will be managed by Brij Bhushan and his people,” she claimed, asserting that the venue choice effectively creates a hostile environment for those who testified against him.

A Victim Steps into the Light

While Supreme Court guidelines strictly protect the identity of sexual harassment survivors to preserve their dignity, Phogat made the conscious choice to go public.

“I am one of those six victims who filed the complaint,” she stated, explaining that current circumstances forced her hand. By revealing her identity, Phogat aims to highlight the absurdity of a system that asks a victim to compete for her career in the backyard of her alleged harasser while court testimonies are still actively being recorded.

Silence from the Ministry

Phogat’s sharpest barbs were reserved for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. She described the government’s stance as that of a “mute spectator,” suggesting that the authorities have granted Singh a “free hand” to operate the federation by proxy.

Despite the WFI being previously suspended and a court case pending, the scheduling of high-stakes tournaments at Singh-linked properties suggests a return to the status quo that the wrestlers have been fighting to dismantle for over three years.

The Bottom Line: Who is Responsible?

The address ended with a direct ultimatum to the Indian government. Phogat made it clear that if she or her team faces any “accident” or “mishap” while attending the competition in Gonda, the liability rests solely with the state.

“If any tragedy occurs, the Government of India will be directly responsible,” she warned. For Phogat, the issue is no longer just about sport; it is a battle for basic safety and the integrity of the judicial process.