Vinesh Phogat calls Brij Bhushan Singh a ‘goon and criminal’

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has launched a fresh attack on former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, describing him as a “goon and a criminal” and questioning the influence he continues to wield in Indian wrestling.

Speaking to reporters in Jind, Haryana, the 31-year-old Julana MLA said: “Who is Brij Bhushan? Forget about him. He is a goon and a criminal. Why should we give so much respect to that man?”

Phogat also raised questions about Singh's activities and influence in Gonda, his political stronghold. “How many people have been troubled in Gonda? How much land has he encroached upon? We will fight this battle in the Supreme Court and take it forward. Where does he fly in helicopters? Where did all this money come from?” she said.

The comments come against the backdrop of the 2023 wrestlers' protest, when Phogat and several other leading Indian wrestlers demonstrated against Singh, who was then the WFI chief. Singh has denied the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him.

Phogat recalls wrestlers' protest

Reflecting on the treatment of the protesting wrestlers, Phogat said the events at Jantar Mantar remain significant for her.

“Three years ago, the way the police behaved with us, we saw the same behaviour with our daughters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi,” she said.

Phogat was among the most prominent athletes involved in the 2023 protest, which became one of the biggest administrative controversies in Indian wrestling.

A former World Championship bronze medallist, Phogat also won gold at the Asian Games and three Commonwealth Games. She represented India at the Paris Olympics, reaching the women's 50kg final before being disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams.

Her latest remarks have once again brought the long-running dispute surrounding the administration of Indian wrestling and the role of its former federation chief into focus.

(With inputs from PTI)