Commonwealth Games 2014: Sushil Kumar - The stalwart of Indian wrestling

Sushil Kumar celebrates after winning the gold in men's 84 freestyle wrestling at the 2010 Delhi CWG

Fighting hardships in life

There are 2 kinds of people, One who sees a problem in every situation, other who sees opportunity in every problem. World class wrestler Sushil Kumar falls in the second category. Son of a DTC bus conductor worked his way up to become the first Indian sportsperson to win back to back medals at one of the most glorious sports celebrations – The Olympics. 

This top wrestler who took no time to become a household name in India after winning silver and bronze medals for the country in 2012 London Olympics is all set to put up a brilliant show once again. Though this time, he will be trying his hands on 74 kg freestyle, all eyes will be on him and people will be waiting to see his gold medal winning performance of 2010 CWG.

Bronze in Beijing was enough to wake up millions of Indians who got inspired to convert this dhobi pachad sport into well a respected game.

Sandeep, Kumar’s cousin, inspired him to take up this sport. He gave up wrestling because his family could support only one wrestler.  His family won’t be regretting the decision now. His consistent performances have made his family and the nation proud.

Sushil Kumar poses with a silver medal at London 2012 Olympics

His training

From desi Akharas of the Chhatrasal stadium to the podiums of many national competitions, Kumar has shown to the world that this country has still got the ability to produce world-class champions.

Kumar first came into limelight when he won the World Cadet Games in Poland in 1998. He followed it up with Asian Junior Wrestling championship in 2000. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award.

Although he has tasted professional success now, there were times when he trained in mud pits and used to share a room with 20 boys. The leap has certainly been a giant one.

Sushil Kumar has fought many odds in life to become a champion

His journey started at the Chhatrasal stadium akhada  under the guidance of pehalwans Yashvir and Ramphal, and then got superior training from Arjuna Awardee Mahabeli Satpal Singh. He was also trained at the Railways camp by  coach Gyan Singh.

Apart from his coaches, Kumar always credits his father Mr Diwan Singh who trained him for 13 years and also taught him important chapters of life like discipline and dedication.

A consistent performer

For the bronze medal at 2008 Beijing Olympics, Sushil was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honor. Kumar created history in 2010 when he won a gold medal at the FILA 2010 World wrestling championships in Moscow.

He finally qualified for the London Games when he outclassed 2008 Beijing Olympic bronze medallist Tushishvili Otar 3-0 on his way to a gold medal at the World qualifying tournament in Taiyuan (China) in April 2012. 2013 was a tough year for Kumar as he suffered a series of injuries and the added disappointments of losing in various international events. 

He changed the face of wrestling in the country  and made people interested in a sport which was once royally ignored.

In the Glasgow Commonwealth games , people will be eyeing Kumar with high expectations and he is considered a favourite to  win a gold medal.