Mahavir Singh Phogat is an amateur wrestler who was forced to give up wrestling in order to obtain gainful employment. He was unable to win a gold medal for India and vows that his son will. He is disappointed when his wife gives birth to four daughters. He gives up his dream thinking that girls cannot wrestle and should only be taught household chores. But when his older daughters, Geeta and Babita come home after beating up two boys in response to derogatory comments, Mahavir realises his daughters have the potential to become wrestlers.
Mahavir begins coaching Geeta and Babita in wrestling. His methods seem harsh, including gruelling early morning workouts and short haircuts to avoid lice.