‘Not Giving Up’: Vinesh Phogat Says Wrestlers Will Appeal Against Brij Bhushan’s Acquittal

Vinesh Phogat says the fight is far from over after Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's acquittal. Why are the wrestlers taking the case to a higher court, and what did she say about the verdict?

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 3 August 2026, 2:32 PM IST

Vinesh Phogat Says Wrestlers Will Appeal Against Brij Bhushan's Acquittal (Img: X)

New Delhi: Olympian Vinesh Phogat on Monday said women wrestlers would challenge the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the alleged sexual harassment case, asserting that they had not given up hope and would continue their legal battle.

Her remarks came hours after a Delhi court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the case filed by six women wrestlers. The verdict was delivered nearly two years after the trial began.

Also Read: ‘If Even One Allegation Was Proved…’: Brij Bhushan Singh cleared in sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers

'We are deeply saddened,' says Vinesh

Reacting to the judgment, Phogat said the wrestlers were disappointed with the outcome and had already instructed their legal team to challenge the decision before a higher court. "We are deeply saddened that the court has found Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh not guilty of the allegations of sexual violence made by female wrestlers."

She said the appeal would be filed at the earliest and insisted that the wrestlers would continue their fight through legal means.

"The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this decision, and this will be done as soon as possible. We have not given up hope and the wrestlers will continue their fight."

Recalls 2023 protest

Looking back at the 2023 protest at Jantar Mantar, Phogat said the women wrestlers had gathered the courage to come forward despite facing pressure and intimidation. She alleged that the entire system had worked to protect Brij Bhushan and claimed several complainants were pressured to withdraw their names from the case.

Also Read: WFI permits Vinesh Phogat to contest 53kg at Asian Games trials under legal supervision

The protests had demanded the registration of an FIR, the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and his removal from the Wrestling Federation of India over allegations of sexual harassment.

Brij Bhushan calls acquittal a 'moment of happiness'

Following the verdict, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh welcomed the court's decision, saying it was a "moment of happiness" for him. He reiterated that he had maintained from the beginning that he was prepared to face the harshest punishment if even one allegation against him was proved.

The case, which became one of India's most high-profile sports controversies, triggered nationwide protests by wrestlers in 2023 and drew widespread public and political attention.