Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Denies Role in Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification at National Open Ranking Tournament
In a recent statement, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, denied any involvement in the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat at the National Open Ranking Tournament. Singh emphasized that the WFI has never prevented athletes from competing and addressed the ongoing sexual harassment case against him. Meanwhile, Phogat has raised concerns about her treatment and the reasons behind her disqualification. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions within Indian wrestling as the federation navigates disciplinary actions and athlete rights.
| May 12, 2026, 15:34 IST
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Responds to Disqualification Claims
Former BJP MP and ex-president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has refuted any involvement in the decision to disqualify wrestler Vinesh Phogat during the National Open Ranking Tournament held in Gonda on Tuesday. The Rouse Avenue court in Delhi has recorded a statement from a member of the SIT regarding the sexual harassment case against Singh. The court has scheduled dates for the examination of the investigating officer's statement on May 15 and 19.
In response to Phogat's allegations, Singh asserted that the WFI has never barred any athlete from participating in tournaments. He stated, 'I am currently addressing the confusion created by this woman. Furthermore, the decision of where wrestling matches will take place is not my concern. This matter falls under the jurisdiction of the WFI. It is their responsibility to determine the venues, who will compete, and who will not. However, having served as the president of the WFI, I can confidently say that the federation has never prevented any athlete from competing. If someone was indeed barred, there would have been a valid reason for it.'
Background on Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification
The Wrestling Federation of India issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat on May 9, citing allegations of misconduct and violations of anti-doping regulations, leading to her disqualification from the tournament in Gonda. Phogat claimed that she was neither allowed to complete her verification process nor permitted to use the training hall in Gonda, where she intended to compete in the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament.