Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat is set to return to the mat after an 18-month hiatus since the Paris Olympics 2024. Her comeback is marred by serious allegations regarding athlete safety and integrity at an upcoming wrestling ranking tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, a region associated with Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Phogat revealed that she is one of six women who have filed sexual harassment cases against Singh, raising concerns about the influence of individuals close to him on the competition's officiating. She stated, "I don't want any privilege or special treatment. I only want that results should reflect the hard work of athletes on the mat." Phogat emphasized the psychological burden female athletes face in such a hostile environment, which could affect their performance. In response, Sanjay Singh, the current WFI president, claimed that all referees will be independent and that Vinesh's concerns are unfounded. Despite stepping into politics and winning an assembly seat in Haryana for the Indian National Congress in October 2024, Phogat remains focused on her wrestling career, competing in the 57kg category.