Introduction
Wrestling, one of the oldest and most revered sports in India, has deep roots in the country’s history and culture. Known as “kushti” or “pehlwani,” Indian wrestling has evolved over centuries, blending traditional techniques with modern practices. The transition from traditional kushti to modern freestyle wrestling began during the early 20th century. With the establishment of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in 1967, the sport gained formal structure and organization. Over the years India has produced some of the finest wrestlers in the world. Let’s have a look at a few of these world-class wrestlers.
Sushil Kumar
Sushil Kumar is India’s one of the most decorated wrestlers. His journey from a modest background to becoming an international wrestling icon is an inspiring story of hard work and determination. Born on May 26, 1983, in Baprola village, near Delhi, Sushil Kumar showed an early interest in wrestling, inspired by his father, Diwan Singh, and his cousin, Sandeep, both of whom were wrestlers.
He first made a significant mark by winning a gold medal at the 2003 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in London. Sushil Kumar’s name became a household one in India after his remarkable performances in the Olympics.
He won a bronze medal in the 66 kg freestyle wrestling category at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first Indian wrestler to win an Olympic medal since Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav in 1952. This historic achievement was followed by another stellar performance at the 2012 London Olympics, where he won a silver medal, making him the only Indian to win two individual Olympic medals.
Beyond the Olympics, Sushil Kumar’s career is adorned with numerous accolades. Sushil has won multiple gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, including those in 2010 (Delhi) and 2014 (Glasgow). He won a gold medal at the 2010 World Wrestling Championships in Moscow.
Sushil has also won several medals at the Asian Wrestling Championships, contributing to his reputation as one of Asia’s finest wrestlers. Sushil Kumar’s journey from a small village to the global wrestling stage is a testament to his dedication and skill.
Geeta Phogat
India has produced numerous sports heroes who have etched their names in history with their sheer determination, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Among these illustrious athletes stands Geeta Phogat, a name synonymous with women’s wrestling in India.
Geeta Phogat was born on December 15, 1988, into a family that would later be recognized as the bedrock of women’s wrestling in India. Her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler himself, was determined to see his daughters succeed in a sport dominated by men.
Geeta’s breakthrough came in the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. This victory not only catapulted her into the limelight but also brought the sport of women’s wrestling to the forefront in India. Geeta’s journey was not without challenges.
Wrestling, traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport in India, posed numerous hurdles for her. From rigorous training sessions to societal criticism, Geeta faced it all with a brave heart. In 2012, Geeta became the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the Olympics, representing India at the London Olympics.
Although she did not win a medal, her participation was a significant milestone for Indian women’s wrestling. Geeta’s achievements have inspired a new generation of female wrestlers who look up to her as a role model. Her success has led to increased support for women’s wrestling in India, with better facilities and opportunities for young athletes.
Bajrang Punia
Bajrang Punia has consistently demonstrated remarkable skill and dedication, earning him a revered spot in the annals of Indian sports. Born on February 26, 1994, in the Khudan village of Jhajjar district, Haryana, Bajrang Punia was introduced to wrestling at a young age.
His father, Balwan Singh Punia, himself a wrestler, encouraged Bajrang to take up the sport. Growing up in a region known for producing wrestling talent, Bajrang had access to excellent training facilities and mentors, which greatly influenced his early development.
His first significant international achievement came in 2013 when he won a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships. This victory was a clear indicator of his potential and set the stage for future successes.
Bajrang won the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, defeating Japan’s Daichi Takatani in the final. He clinched the gold medal at both the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, showcasing his dominance in the 65 kg weight category.
Bajrang has won multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships, including a silver in 2018 and a bronze in 2019, further establishing his reputation on the global stage. Bajrang Punia represented India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), where he won a bronze medal in the 65 kg category. His achievements have brought glory to India and have inspired a new generation of wrestlers.
Yogeshwar Dutt
Yogeshwar Dutt has inspired countless aspiring athletes with his remarkable journey. Born on November 2, 1982, in the small village of Bhainswal Kalan in Haryana, Dutt’s rise to prominence in the world of wrestling is a story of an unwavering passion for the sport.
Yogeshwar Dutt’s foray into wrestling began at an early age, thanks to his father, Ram Mehar Dutt, who was a wrestler himself. Dutt’s breakthrough came in 2003 when he won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships. Over the years, Yogeshwar Dutt accumulated an impressive array of medals and titles.
In the 2006 Asian Games, Dutt won a bronze medal in the 60 kg category. In the Commonwealth Games 2010 he clinched the gold medal. At the 2012 Olympics, he won a bronze medal in the 60 kg freestyle wrestling category. At the 2014 Asian Games, Yogeshwar secured a gold medal, further solidifying his legacy as a premier wrestler in Asia.
Yogeshwar Dutt’s journey was not without challenges. He faced numerous injuries that threatened to derail his career. However, his indomitable spirit and unwavering focus helped him overcome these setbacks. His ability to bounce back from injuries and continue competing at the highest level is a testament to his mental and physical fortitude.
Deepak Punia
Indian wrestling has seen a significant resurgence in recent years, producing world-class athletes who have made the nation proud on the global stage. Among these emerging stars is Deepak Punia, a wrestler whose dedication, hard work, and talent have marked him as one of the most promising athletes in the sport.
Deepak Punia was born on May 19, 1999, in the village of Chhara in Haryana, a state renowned for producing some of India’s finest wrestlers. From a young age, Punia was drawn to wrestling, inspired by the rich wrestling culture in his hometown and the legacy of Indian wrestling greats.
His father, a milkman, supported his aspirations despite the family’s modest means, recognizing his son’s potential and determination. Punia’s journey in wrestling began at local akharas (wrestling training centers), where he honed his skills under the guidance of seasoned coaches.
His breakthrough came when he won the gold medal in the cadet category at the 2016 World Cadet Championships, announcing his arrival on the international stage. Deepak Punia’s ascent in the wrestling world has been marked by significant accomplishments.
In the 2019 World Wrestling Championships, Punia won a silver medal in the men’s freestyle 86 kg category. This achievement was particularly notable as he became the youngest Indian wrestler to win a medal at the World Championships.
In the 2019 Junior World Championships, he clinched the gold medal, becoming the first Indian wrestler in 18 years to win at this prestigious event. In the Asian Wrestling Championships, Deepak has secured multiple medals further establishing his dominance in the continent.
Stay tuned on ChakDeBharat for more sports updates.