In a remarkable display of skill and determination, India’s Sunil Kumar secured the bronze medal in the men’s Greco-Roman 87 kg category at the 2023 Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. This victory marked a significant milestone for Indian wrestling, as it was the country’s first Greco-Roman medal since the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou. Sunil Kumar’s inspiring journey from adversity to glory serves as a testament to his dedication and the unwavering support of his family.
Sunil Kumar’s path to success was not without challenges. Tragedy struck in 2010 when he lost his father in a tragic road accident. Despite the immense emotional and financial burden, his mother, Anita Kumar, and elder brother, Sumit Kumar, stood firmly by his side. They made significant sacrifices, including leasing their farmland to locals and taking loans, to ensure that Sunil Kumar could pursue his wrestling dreams.
Initially introduced to freestyle wrestling in Nidani, Sunil Kumar struggled to make a mark in the sport. However, fate took a different turn when he discovered Greco-Roman wrestling during his time at Mehar Singh Akhada in Rohtak, Haryana. At that moment, the sport was entirely new to him, and his immediate reaction was, “Greco, Kya? (What?)” Little did he know that this “different” format would become his ticket to fulfilling his Olympic aspirations.
The turning point came in late 2016 when Sunil Kumar won a bronze medal at the Asian Junior Championship in Manila, Philippines. This achievement marked the resurgence of Greco-Roman wrestling in India. Over the next two years, Sunil Kumar added two more Asian Junior bronze medals to his collection, demonstrating his prowess in the sport. In 2018, he transitioned to the senior category, poised to make his mark on the international stage.
To hone his skills and address the vulnerabilities in India’s Greco-Roman wrestling, Sunil Kumar underwent rigorous training in Azerbaijan. Under the guidance of India’s Greco-Roman coach, Manoj Dhankar, he focused on improving his defense from the ground position. Sunil Kumar practiced defense from ‘par terre’ extensively, training with top wrestlers, including world champions in his category. This strategic approach paid off, as evidenced by his bronze medal-winning performance at the 2023 Asian Games.
In the past two decades, only three Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers have qualified for the Olympic Games: Mukesh Khatri (Athens), Ravindra Khatri, and Hardeep Singh (Rio). Sunil Kumar is now poised to lead the Indian charge in Greco-Roman wrestling on the international stage, bringing hope and inspiration to aspiring wrestlers across the country.
Sunil Kumar’s bronze medal victory at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games not only represents a personal triumph but also a symbol of resilience and determination that transcends the boundaries of sport. His journey from adversity to success serves as a source of inspiration for all, illustrating that with unwavering commitment and unwavering support, dreams can be realized, no matter how challenging the path may be.
