Olympic medalist Bajrang Poonia has apologized unconditionally to tarnish the image of wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya during a protests against former Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former Chief of the Indian Wrestling Federation (WFI). Tokyo Olympic bronze medal winner Bajrang, along with Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, staged a protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, alleging sexual harassment of several junior women wrestlers.
Bajrang had said in a press conference during a dharna at Jantar Mantar on 10 May 2023 that Naresh Dahiya himself is accused of rape, so he has no right to question his protests. After this, Dahiya filed a defamation suit against Bajrang Poonia and dragged him in court. Bajrang was summoned by the court and he was also granted bail at the fourth hearing. Bajrang Poonia expressed regret over her actions and apologized to the wrestling coach on 17 May. Bajrang said in his apology, “I apologize unconditionally for the wrong and insensitive statement given against coach Naresh Dahiya during the protest at Jantar Mantar.”
‘Please forgive me’
◆ Bajrang Poonia apologized to wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya#Bajrangpunia #Wrestler , @Bajrangpunia pic.twitter.com/9x85jcuyee
– News24 (@news24tvchannel) May 30, 2025
I have nothing to do with Brij Bhushan ..
He said, “I express deep regrets for the pain and pain and suffering to his loved ones due to the loss to the image of coach Naresh Dahiya and my wrong and insensitive statement against him. He is a prestigious coach and has given his best to the country. I once again expressed regret and apologize to him and his loved ones. He has given coaching to wrestlers like Commonwealth Games gold medal winners Vinod (55 kg) and Ramesh Gulia (74 kg).
Dahiya said, “Two-four months before the protest, these wrestlers were praising WFI President. Then suddenly an unknown person accused me and Bajrang mentioned it in his address. I objected to this and dragged them to court. ”
He said, “Now that he has apologized, I have accepted it. His lawyer approached my lawyer to apologize. I had nothing to do with Brij Bhushan. I just went to the federation’s office three to four times because I have to go to the federation office in connection with the work. At that time I just told him that he would slowly withdraw from the performance, but the children involved in it will have to bear the consequences. That’s all, nothing else. An FIR was lodged against Brij Bhushan and the case is going on in the court.
