Bajrang Punia Issues Unconditional Apology to Coach Naresh Dahiya — Here’s What Happened
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia has unconditionally apologized to wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya for tarnishing his image during a protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang, along with Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, had staged a sit-in protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in which he accused the WFI chief of sexually harassing several junior female wrestlers.
In a press conference during the protest at Jantar Mantar on May 10 last year, Bajrang accused coach Naresh Dahiya of being accused of rape and said that he had no right to question his protest. After this, Naresh Dahiya filed a defamation case against Bajrang Punia, due to which Bajrang was summoned by the court and he also got bail in the fourth hearing. Eventually, Bajrang Punia apologized to the wrestling coach on May 17, expressing regret for his actions.
Bajrang said in his apology, “I unconditionally apologize for the wrong and insensitive statement made against coach Naresh Dahiya during the press conference held during the protest at Jantar Mantar.”
He further said, “I deeply regret the damage caused to the image of coach Naresh Dahiya and the pain and suffering caused to his loved ones due to my wrong and insensitive statement against him. He is a respected coach and has given his best to the country. I once again express my regret and apologise wholeheartedly to him and his loved ones.”
Naresh Dahiya has a training centre for male wrestlers named Chhotu Ram Vyayamshala in Shahbad Dairy area of Delhi. He has trained wrestlers like Commonwealth Games gold medalists Vinod (55 kg) and Ramesh Gulia (74 kg).
On this matter, coach Dahiya said, "Two-four months before the protest, these wrestlers were praising the WFI President. Then suddenly an unknown person made this allegation against me and Bajrang mentioned it in his address. I objected to this and dragged him to court."
He further said, “Now that he has apologised, I have accepted it. His lawyer had contacted my lawyer to apologise. I had nothing to do with Brij Bhushan. I had just visited the federation's office three-four times because one has to visit the federation's office for work. All I told him at that time was that he would gradually withdraw from the protest, but the children involved in it would have to face the consequences. That's all, nothing else.” It is worth noting that an FIR was lodged against Brij Bhushan and the case is still going on in the court.