Wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday launched a blistering public attack on Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former wrestling body chief accused of sexual harassment, calling him a “goon and a criminal” and alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party continues to shield him despite mounting pressure from athletes and civil society. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Phogat also accused Singh of amassing wealth through land encroachment in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, and claimed that public money is being used to commit “atrocities against women.”
Phogat’s remarks came days after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced the reinstatement of Singh as its advisor, a move that sparked fresh outrage among protesting wrestlers. The 30-year-old Olympic hopeful, who has been at the forefront of the year-long agitation demanding justice for survivors of sexual harassment in Indian wrestling, said Singh’s return to a position of influence amounted to a betrayal of the movement’s core demands.
“He is a goon and a criminal,” Phogat said, her voice steady but firm. “How can a man accused of such heinous crimes be given a platform again? This is not just about me or any one athlete—it is about the safety and dignity of every woman in Indian sports.”
She went on to allege that Singh, a two-time Lok Sabha member from Kaiserganj, had illegally occupied government land in Gonda district. “Look at his properties—where did this wealth come from? He has encroached on land meant for the public. And yet, the BJP stands by him,” she said.
Phogat also drew a contrast between the swift police response during earlier phases of the protest and what she described as a lack of accountability now. “Earlier, when we protested peacefully, we were lathi-charged and arrested. Now, money is being used to commit atrocities against women. The same system that failed us then is failing us again,” she added.
The press conference followed a meeting between protesting wrestlers and officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which failed to yield a concrete resolution. Phogat stated that unless Singh is removed from all roles related to wrestling administration, the protest will intensify.
Why it matters
The renewed controversy over Singh’s role in Indian wrestling underscores the deepening divide between the country’s sporting establishment and its athletes, particularly those advocating for systemic reform. Singh, who served as WFI president from 2012 until his arrest in January 2023 over sexual harassment charges, remains a polarizing figure within the sport. His reinstatement as an advisor by the WFI earlier this month was justified by the body as a “technical necessity,” citing a lack of experienced administrators. However, critics argue that the decision undermines the credibility of ongoing investigations and signals a return to business-as-usual politics.
For Phogat and other wrestlers, the issue extends beyond individual grievances. Their protest, which began in late 2022, has evolved into a broader critique of governance in Indian sports, highlighting concerns around transparency, accountability, and the treatment of women in male-dominated institutions. The athletes have repeatedly called for the implementation of the Justice K. K. Venugopal Committee report, which recommended sweeping reforms in the wake of the initial allegations against Singh.
The political dimensions of the dispute cannot be overlooked. The BJP, which has long held influence over the WFI and other national sports bodies, faces growing scrutiny over its handling of the case. While party leaders have publicly expressed support for the wrestlers’ demands, their silence on Singh’s reinstatement has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups alike.
Background and context
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been a dominant force in Indian wrestling administration for over a decade. A wrestler himself, he represented India in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics before transitioning into coaching and eventually politics. Elected to Parliament from Kaiserganj in 2014, he retained the seat in 2019, leveraging his connections within the wrestling community to consolidate power in the WFI.
In January 2023, Singh was arrested following accusations of sexual harassment and criminal intimididation leveled by several female wrestlers, including Phogat. The case triggered widespread protests, with athletes setting up camp outside the Wrestling Federation of India headquarters in Delhi. The demonstrations gained momentum after Phogat and others undertook a march to the Prime Minister’s Office, demanding action.
A special investigation team (SIT) was formed by the Uttar Pradesh Police to examine the allegations. Over the following months, dozens of women came forward with similar complaints, painting a picture of systemic abuse and cover-ups. In August 2023, the SIT filed charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to sexual harassment, criminal conspiracy, and misconduct by a public servant.
Singh was granted bail in November 2023, pending trial. His release coincided with a shift in the WFI’s leadership, following the imposition of a new administrator by the Ministry of Youth Affairs. Despite calls from athletes and legal experts to bar Singh from holding any position linked to wrestling, the WFI moved to reinstate him as an advisor in early 2026, citing administrative exigencies.
The decision reignited tensions within the sport, prompting renewed protests and legal challenges. On the political front, the BJP has maintained a careful distance from Singh personally while defending the WFI’s autonomy. However, internal documents leaked to the press suggest that senior party officials were involved in discussions leading up to his reinstatement.
Phogat, meanwhile, has emerged as a central figure in the movement. A Commonwealth Games gold medalist and multiple-time national champion, she has used her platform to amplify the voices of survivors and push for structural change. Her decision to speak out publicly against Singh marks a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between athletes and administrators.
What to watch next
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of both the legal proceedings against Singh and the future of wrestling governance in India. A Delhi court is expected to deliver its verdict on the charges filed by the SIT within the next two months. Legal experts say the outcome could set a precedent for how institutions handle cases involving powerful individuals accused of misconduct.
On the administrative front, the WFI is scheduled to hold its annual general body meeting in April, where Singh’s advisory role is likely to be a point of contention. Athletes have threatened to boycott the event unless he is removed, raising the possibility of further disruption to India’s wrestling calendar.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth Affairs is under pressure to intervene. Several MPs from opposition parties have raised the matter in Parliament, questioning the government’s stance on Singh’s reinstatement. A parliamentary committee is reportedly considering summoning WFI officials and ministry representatives for questioning.
Internationally, the case continues to draw attention from human rights organizations and global sports bodies. The International Olympic Committee has previously expressed concern over the situation, and renewed protests may prompt fresh scrutiny of India’s compliance with Olympic Charter principles regarding gender equality and non-discrimination.
Phogat herself is preparing for what could be her final competitive season. With the 2026 World Championships and the Paris Olympics on the horizon, she has indicated that she may retire from competition if meaningful reforms are not implemented. Her potential exit would represent a symbolic loss for the sport and a blow to the protest movement.
Conclusion
Vinesh Phogat’s latest salvo against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reflects the enduring frustration of athletes who feel abandoned by the very institutions meant to protect them. While the legal process grinds forward, the broader battle for accountability in Indian sports remains unresolved. As the nation watches one of its most decorated wrestlers take on entrenched power structures, the stakes extend far beyond the mat—touching on questions of justice, representation, and the cost of speaking truth to authority.
Whether this moment becomes a turning point in Indian sports governance—or merely another chapter in a protracted struggle—will depend largely on how swiftly and decisively institutions respond to the demands of those who dare to challenge them.
Sources
– Times of India – Top Stories. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/wrestling/he-is-a-goon-and-a-criminal-vinesh-phogats-sharp-attack-on-brij-bhushan-sharan-singh/articleshow/133326601.cms
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Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
