WFI president Sanjay Singh responded to Vinesh Phogat’s allegations, assuring transparency and dismissing concerns over bias and venue selection for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda.
Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat addresses a press conference at AICC headquarters in New Delhi on Monday, October 28, 2024. (Photo: IANS)
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has responded to fresh concerns raised by Vinesh Phogat, taking a firm stance on safety and fairness ahead of the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament, while dismissing allegations of bias in the system.
“If Vinesh is worried about her safety, let me assure her that I am taking personal guarantee of that. Also, we have UWW-approved referees who officiate and all trial bouts are recorded, so there is no chance of any bias,” Sanjay Singh said in a statement.
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He also defended the decision to hold the tournament in Gonda from May 12 to 14, rejecting calls to change the venue despite Vinesh’s concerns.
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“Do you think it is fair to change the venue and disturb the whole schedule when about 1500 wrestlers have entered the tournament and made their travel and stay arrangements and have not raised any objections regarding the venue and their safety? Why should WFI do it and put participating wrestlers to inconvenience,” he added.
The remarks come after Vinesh Phogat revealed that she is one of six women wrestlers who have filed a sexual harassment complaint against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Breaking her silence while the matter remains sub-judice, she spoke out in a social media video.
“Three years ago, we raised our voices against sexual harassment. Six women wrestlers have already testified before the court. I am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing,” she said.
Vinesh also raised concerns over the fairness and transparency of the upcoming competition, alleging possible influence over officiating and match outcomes.
“Every hardworking athlete will get their due there—this is something very unlikely and almost impossible. Who will referee whose match, how many points a referee will give… all of this will be controlled,” she alleged.
She further questioned the integrity of weigh-ins and judging procedures, saying the results may not accurately reflect athletes’ performances on the mat.
The issue has once again highlighted the ongoing friction between top wrestlers and the federation ahead of a key national event.
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