What Sachin Tendulkar is to cricket, Sushil Kumar is the same as Indian wrestling. If you go into an akhara and ask a young wrestler, whom he wants to emulate when he grows up, the answer in 94 per cent cases will be Sushil “Pahelwan” (wrestler) Ji. But this god-like stature that Kumar has got is no fluke. It was his hard work and dedication to take Indian wrestling to new heights that have made his an iconic figure. He is the first wrestler and only India athlete to get two Olympic medals (2008 Beijing and 2012 London). Moreover, he is the first world champion from India (2010). As he turns 37 today, WrestlingTV brings you 10 facts about India’s most beloved wrestler of all-time.
COVID-19 Impact: Divya Kakran’s coach leaves India as condition worsens in Delhi
1)Sushil Kumar got interested in wrestling at the age of 14 after getting inspired by his father Diwan Singh.
2)His cousin Sandeep, a wrestler himself gave up wrestling so that Kumar could pursue his dreams.
3) He trained at the famed Chhatrasal Stadium under former wrestler and Dronacharya awardee Mahabali Satpal. Kumar married his guru’s (coach) daughter Savi and has two sons.
4) His father was a DTC bus driver while mother was a housewife.
5) Kumar is a vegetarian. His PETA’s campaign reads, “Look at me, I defeated non-vegetarians from Kazakhstan and America in the Olympics. So, you can see that vegetarians have a lot of strength”.
6)A teetotaller himself, Kumar refused to be a part of a liquor brand.
7)Besides wrestling, Kumar is a big fan of football. His favourite player is Barcelona’s, Lionel Messi.
8) Being an Indian it is natural to love cricket. He hails from Najafgarh the same place Virender “Nawab of Najafgarh” Sehwag is a native of. Kumar is a fan of Sehwag too.
9) Kumar was the first wrestler to be honoured with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.
10) He is an employee with the Indian Railways as an assistant commercial manager.
A very Happy Birthday Sushil Kumar from the entire wrestling fraternity.