'Uncontested': Court Compounds Coach Naresh Dahiya's Defamation Case Against Bajrang Punia

Last Updated:May 30, 2025, 16:36 IST

A Delhi court judge noted in his order on May 29, that the defamation case against Punia has been closed after both parties decided to settle the dispute among themselves.

Bajrang Punia. (X)

A court in Delhi confirmed that it had compounded the defamation case against wrestler Bajrang Punia filed by coach Naresh Dahiya.

“Uncontested. Compounded," the judge noted in the order on May 29, and closed the case after both parties decided to settle the case among themselves.

ALSO READ| ‘I Shouted With Happiness For The First Time’: Jyothi Yarraji On Emotional Asian Athletics Gold Win

Punia, who led the wrestlers’ protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment of junior women grapples in early 2023, had stated that Dahiya himself was accused of rape, and had no right to question their fight during a press interaction on May 10, 2023.

Dahiya moved court against Punia by filing a defamation case, stating that he had been cleared of wrongdoing by the court. Punia issued his apology on the 17th of May 2025, without holding any reservations and begged pardon for causing damage to Dahiya’s image.

“I tender my unconditional apology to Mr Naresh Dahiya, for the wrong and insensitive statement made by me against him during the press conference held at Jantar Mantar during agitation in pubic view," Bajrang said

“That I deeply regret for the pain and damage caused to the image of Mr Naresh Dahiya, besides pain and hurt caused to the near and dear ones due to the wrong and insensitive statement made by me against him," the 31-year-old continued.

“That I say that Mr Dahiya is a distinguished coach and has provided his best to the nation. That I once again reiterate my regret and issue a heartfelt apology to Mr Dahiya and his loved ones," the wrestler read.

ALSO READ| Transfer News: Real Madrid Sign Trent Alexander-Arnold From Liverpool Until 2031

Dahiya, who runs a training centre in Delhi, produced multiple renowned wrestlers including Vinod, Ramesh Guliya, Ravindra and Abhishek to name a few.

“Two or four months before the protest, these very wrestlers were praising the WFI President. Then suddenly, all this happened. There was this allegation by a random guy against me and it was mentioned by Bajrang in his address. I took an exception to that and dragged him to court," the coach explained.

“Now that he has tendered apology, I have accepted it. His lawyer had contacted my lawyer to convey the apology. I did not have much to do with Brij Bhushan. I only went to office 3-4 times because you have to go to federation office for work-related things," the coach revealed.

“I just told them that at that time that they will go away from scene gradually but there will be consequences for kids involved. That’s it, nothing else," he added.

Watch CNN-News18 here. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

First Published:

News sports 'Uncontested': Court Compounds Coach Naresh Dahiya's Defamation Case Against Bajrang Punia