Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh responded to Vinesh Phogat’s worries about safety and fairness, ensuring personal accountability and no venue changes. Singh emphasized the presence of UWW-approved referees and recorded trial bouts to prevent bias. He questioned the necessity of altering the venue, considering the inconvenience it would cause to the 1500 participating wrestlers who had made travel arrangements without complaints.
Vinesh Phogat disclosed being one of six women wrestlers who lodged a sexual harassment complaint against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Phogat voiced concerns about the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, a stronghold of Brij Bhushan. She highlighted the need to speak out under the current circumstances, breaking her silence to protect the dignity of victims as per Supreme Court guidelines.
Expressing apprehensions about the tournament’s integrity, Vinesh Phogat criticized the venue choice for potentially compromising fair competition. She alleged that Brij Bhushan and his associates could influence match officiating and outcomes, raising doubts about the transparency of weigh-in procedures. Vinesh emphasized the importance of ensuring that hardworking athletes receive fair treatment and recognition for their efforts.
