This article will tell you about the career highlights of Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar
Sushil Kumar is an Indian wrestler born on May 26, 1983, in Baprola village near Najafgarh in Delhi, India. He has been a dominant force in both national and international wrestling.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian wrestlers of all time, having won numerous medals and championships in his illustrious career.
Sushil started wrestling at a young age and began training under his father, who was a wrestling coach. He later joined the Chhatrasal Stadium wrestling academy in Delhi, where he was trained by the legendary wrestling coach Satpal Singh.
Early Career
Sushil Kumar first made his mark in national wrestling when he won a gold medal at the 2003 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in London. He followed this up with a gold medal at the 2005 Asian Wrestling Championship in New Delhi.
In 2006, he won a bronze medal at the Doha Asian Games and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. He also represented India at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in the 66 kg freestyle wrestling category.
Mid Career
Sushil Kumar’s greatest achievement came in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi. He won the gold medal in the 66 kg freestyle wrestling category, becoming the first Indian wrestler to win a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.
He also won a gold medal at the World Wrestling Championships in Moscow in 2010, becoming the first Indian wrestler to win a gold medal at the World Championships.
Sushil Kumar continued his winning streak in the following years. He won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and a silver medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
He also represented India at the 2012 London Olympics, where he won a silver medal in the 66 kg freestyle wrestling category, becoming the first Indian wrestler to win two Olympic medals.
Controversies
In 2018, Sushil Kumar was involved in a controversy when he and his supporters allegedly beat up fellow wrestler Praveen Rana during the selection trials for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
The incident led to an FIR being filed against Sushil and his supporters, although he denied any involvement in the incident.
Also Read: The Untold Story Of PV Sindhu
In 2021, Sushil Kumar was again embroiled in controversy when he was arrested in connection with the murder of a fellow wrestler, Sagar Rana. Sushil and his associates were accused of assaulting Sagar Rana at a stadium in Delhi, leading to his death.
Sushil was subsequently suspended by the Wrestling Federation of India and has been in police custody awaiting trial.
Retirement
Sushil Kumar announced his retirement from wrestling in 2021, following the controversy surrounding the murder of Sagar Rana. He stated that he was retiring from wrestling to focus on his family and to pursue other interests.
Sushil Kumar’s career has been one of the most successful and inspiring in Indian wrestling history. He has won numerous medals and championships, including two Olympic medals. He has indeed set an example for young wrestlers to follow.
While his recent controversies have tarnished his reputation, his contribution to Indian wrestling remains significant, and his legacy is sure to endure.
