We Fought for the Sports But BJP Has Given WFI Power in Brij Bhushan's Hands

In a passionate address to the Haryana Assembly, former wrestler and current Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat expressed her dismay over the recent decision by the Sports Ministry to revoke the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The Olympic wrestler, who became the face of a prolonged protest against alleged sexual harassment by former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, claimed that despite their struggle, the BJP government has effectively returned control of the sport to the same hands they fought against.

Two-Year Struggle "On the Streets" for Justice 

"For two years, we struggled on the streets. We were fighting to save the sport of wrestling," Phogat stated during a discussion on the Governor's address on Wednesday. Without directly naming Brij Bhushan, she expressed her sadness that after all their efforts, "your party (BJP) has given the sport in his hands again." 

The protest led by Phogat, along with fellow Olympians Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, became a significant movement that captured national attention in 2023. Their allegations against Brij Bhushan, a former BJP MP, led to an FIR and an ongoing trial on charges of sexually abusing junior wrestlers – allegations which Brij Bhushan has consistently denied. 

"Dummy" Leadership Claims

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly complex, Phogat didn't mince words about the current leadership of the wrestling body. She claimed that new WFI chief Sanjay Singh is merely a "dummy" and that Brij Bhushan continues to control the organization from behind the scenes. 

The Sports Ministry had suspended the WFI in December 2023 citing governance issues and procedural lapses. However, the recent revocation of this suspension has reopened old wounds for the wrestlers who had staked their careers and reputations on their fight against alleged abuses of power within the federation.

Unfulfilled Promises and Call for Better Sports Facilities

During her address, Phogat also reminded Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of his unfulfilled promise to honor her as an Olympic medallist after her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics. 

 "The chief minister had said that Vinesh is our daughter and she will be given the same reward as that given to an Olympic silver medallist. This promise has still not been fulfilled," she pointed out. "It is not about money; it is about respect."

Phogat also urged the Haryana Government to increase support for budding athletes and improve sports facilities across the state, reinforcing her commitment to sports development despite her transition to politics

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahipal Dhanda acknowledged Phogat's status, stating, "Our immense respect for you is not because you are the leader of a political party but because you are the country's pride as a sportsperson." In response, Phogat emphasized that their protest was never politically motivated but was raised "as sportspersons" concerned about the integrity of wrestling in India.