Vinesh Phogat Flags Safety Concerns Ahead Of Gonda Return: ‘If Anything Untoward Happens To Me…’:

Last Updated:May 03, 2026, 14:29 IST

Vinesh, who has wrestled in the 50kg and 53kg divisions in the past, will compete in the 57Kg category in Gonda on her return.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat (X)

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has cautioned that the Indian government will be accountable if anything happens to her or her team during the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, while also expressing fears of biased officiating in her comeback event.

In a video message released ahead of her return to competition after almost 18 months, Phogat claimed that the tournament, scheduled at a venue associated with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, could see the results influenced by people close to the former Wrestling Federation of India president.

The 31-year-old, who has resumed training in recent months, said she wants to make a fair comeback, compete honestly, and once again win medals for India, but she is unsure whether she will get a level playing field.

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

“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,” Vinesh further added.

It is also relevant that Vinesh is now active in politics, having won the Haryana state assembly elections from the Julana constituency on a Congress ticket in October 2024.

Vinesh further highlighted the mental strain of competing in what she called a hostile environment, especially as she is one of the complainants in an ongoing sexual harassment case against Singh.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s guidelines on safeguarding the identity and dignity of victims, Phogat said the situation had forced her to speak out publicly.

She also accused the authorities of inaction, alleging that the government and the sports ministry were merely watching as spectators and had effectively given Singh a free hand.

“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 added.

“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.

“I doubt if I will be able to give my 100 per cent in that environment.”

Vinesh, who has wrestled in the 50kg and 53kg divisions in the past, will compete in the 57Kg category in Gonda on her return.

Vinesh has not competed since the 2024 Paris Games, where she was disqualified from the final for being overweight.

Before that, there had been a prolonged confrontation between top wrestlers and the WFI over allegations of sexual harassment against Singh.

The protests, which started in 2023, involved several leading grapplers, including Olympic medallists, who demanded action against the then WFI chief.

Multiple women wrestlers lodged complaints, resulting in legal proceedings that are still in progress. Singh has denied all the allegations.

The controversy also triggered significant administrative turmoil in the WFI, including suspension of its activities and repeated interventions by the sports ministry.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

Read More