Tension Erupts at Mulshi Wrestling Event: Maharashtra Kesari Sikandar Shaikh Targeted in Shocking Arena Scuffle
Tension Erupts at Mulshi Wrestling Event: Maharashtra Kesari Sikandar Shaikh Targeted in Shocking Arena Scuffle
What was meant to be a grand celebration of strength, tradition, and sportsmanship on the sacred occasion of Mahashivratri turned into a scene of chaos in Paud village, Mulshi taluka, Pune district. A high-stakes wrestling showdown ended in controversy after an alleged attack attempt on Maharashtra Kesari titleholder Sikandar Shaikh right inside the arena. The disturbing visuals from the event have since flooded social media, leaving the wrestling fraternity stunned and outraged.
The incident took place on February 17 during the prestigious Mallikarjun Wrestling Title competition held in Mulshi. The spotlight bout of the evening carried a prize of ₹11 lakh and featured a gripping face-off between Sikandar Shaikh and the formidable wrestler Mauli Kokate. The match was officiated under the supervision of international referee Rohidas Appa.
With the arena packed to capacity, spectators witnessed an intense and physically demanding contest that stretched for nearly an hour. Both wrestlers displayed exceptional endurance and determination. As the deadlock continued, organizers repeatedly announced that the bout would not be halted prematurely, signaling their intent to allow a decisive outcome. The atmosphere grew increasingly charged as neither competitor was willing to yield.
The turning point came when the match took a more aggressive turn. During the struggle, Mauli Kokate allegedly attempted to strike Sikandar Shaikh near the neck area. Sikandar immediately objected, and a heated verbal exchange followed between the two wrestlers inside the ring.
Amid the rising tension, the situation spiraled further out of control. One of Mauli Kokate’s supporters, who had been standing outside the arena, suddenly rushed in. Before any intervention could take place, he reportedly raised his hand in an apparent attempt to attack Sikandar Shaikh. Spectators captured the entire episode on their mobile phones, and the footage clearly shows confusion and disorder breaking out. Whistles, shouting, and panic spread across the ground as a few more supporters of Kokate allegedly moved toward Sikandar in a confrontational manner.
मुळशीमध्ये राडा… सिकंदर शेखवर हल्ल्याचा प्रयत्न… pic.twitter.com/i8JMMsUhxn
— Gangappa Pujari (@GangappaPujar07) February 20, 2026
The unrest quickly engulfed the arena. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Sikandar Shaikh’s coach, Vishal Hargule, immediately stepped in. Entering the ring without delay, he tried to calm both wrestlers and restore order. Efforts were also made to mediate and resume the bout, but by then the atmosphere had become too volatile for a fair continuation.
Faced with mounting tension and the risk of further escalation, the organizers opted for a compromise. Instead of declaring a single winner, they announced both Sikandar Shaikh and Mauli Kokate as joint winners, bringing the contest to an official close.
Since the video clips began circulating online, strong reactions have poured in from wrestling enthusiasts and members of the sports community. Many have questioned whether the spirit of sportsmanship is being overshadowed by aggression and unruly behavior from supporters. Critics have labeled the incident a stain on the traditional discipline of wrestling, especially given that a Maharashtra Kesari titleholder was allegedly targeted within the arena itself.
