Brij Bhushan Accuses Vinesh Phogat of 'Cheating' at the Olympics

Former BJP leader and ex-president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Singh, has accused Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat of cheating to qualify for the Olympic Games. He claimed that her failure to win a medal was a result of divine punishment.

P24 News Media

September 07, 2024

1 minute

Brij Bhushan Accuses Vinesh Phogat of 'Cheating' at the Olympics

Politics

“I would like to ask Vinesh if any athlete is allowed to compete in two weight categories in a single day. Can the trials be paused for five hours after the weigh-in? You didn't win the wrestling; you made it there by cheating. God punished you for it,” said Singh, referring to Phogat’s performance.

BJP Leader Targets Phogat’s Olympic Qualification

Brij Bhushan’s remarks came shortly after the Congress announced Phogat as its candidate for the Haryana Assembly elections from the Julana constituency. Singh alleged that Phogat took another athlete’s rightful spot by creating a controversy around her trial results.

Accusations Against Bajrang Punia

The former WFI chief further criticized Bajrang Punia, alleging that he participated in the Asian Games without going through the proper trials. Singh questioned the halt of wrestling activities for two and a half years in Haryana, suggesting Punia bypassed the process.

Political Entry of Phogat and Punia

Both Phogat and Punia were at the forefront of the wrestlers' protest against Brij Bhushan last year, which centered around sexual harassment allegations. Recently, the two made their political debut by joining the Congress. While Phogat is set to contest the Haryana Assembly elections, Punia has been appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.

Brij Bhushan's Criticism of Congress

Brij Bhushan accused Phogat of being part of a Congress-led conspiracy orchestrated by leader Deepender Hooda and his family. He labeled her the “face of the Congress conspiracy” and denied any wrongdoing in his treatment of the protesting wrestlers.

Bhushan also declared that if required, he would join the BJP’s election campaign in Haryana, asserting that any BJP candidate would easily defeat Phogat in the polls.