WFI President Sanjay Singh Refuses to Change Gonda Venue Despite Vinesh Phogat Safety Concerns

NEW DELHI: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh on Sunday said the venue for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda will not be changed, even as Vinesh Phogat raised concerns over safety and officiating ahead of her return. Singh said participation in the event is optional, adding that the choice to compete lies with the wrestler.

In a video message before her comeback after nearly 18 months, Vinesh said the event, to be held at a venue linked to former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, could see results influenced by people close to him.

"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 was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

"And let me add that this is an Open tournament which is not mandatory. The choice is hers to compete. We are not going to change the venue," he said.

The National Open Ranking Tournament will be held from May 10 to 12. It will start with men's freestyle trials, followed by Greco Roman on May 11 and women's events on May 12.

Earlier in the day, Vinesh had spoken about her concerns. "If any untoward incident happens to me, my team or supporters during the competition, the Indian government will be responsible," she said, asking the media and sports community to be present.

"The tournament is being organised at a place where his (Brij Bhushan) influence is strong. Who will officiate which bout, how many points will be awarded, who will sit as mat chairman, everything can be controlled by him and his people," she added.

The 31-year-old, who had stepped away from the sport after her disqualification at the Paris Games and has recently resumed training, said she wants to return and win medals but is not sure about a fair contest.

"I don't want any privilege or special treatment. I only want that results should reflect the hard work of athletes on the mat," she said.

She also spoke about the mental pressure of competing in what she described as a difficult environment, especially as one of the complainants in the sexual harassment case against Singh.

Phogat also said that she is one of the six women wrestlers who had filed complaints of sexual harassment against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan.

Referring to Supreme Court guidelines on protecting the identity of victims, she said she felt the need to speak due to the situation. "The Supreme Court guidelines say that the identity of any victim should not be revealed, because it concerns their dignity and honour," Vinesh said. "But today, due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you all something. I did not want to speak while the case is still pending... But I want to say that I myself am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing."

"Competing at a place linked to him, where most people present may be associated with him, puts immense mental pressure on me," she said. "I doubt if I will be able to give my 100 per cent in that environment."

She also said that authorities have not acted and that the government and sports ministry were "watching as spectators" and had given a "free hand" to Singh.

Vinesh will compete in the 57kg category in Gonda. She has earlier competed in 50kg and 53kg.