The Hindu : New Delhi News : Another Najafgarh lad does India proud

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

New Delhi

New Delhi

Another Najafgarh lad does India proud

Rakesh Rao

PHOTO: PTI

PROUD PARENTS: Diwan Singh and Kamla Devi, parents of Sushil Kumar celebrate his win at their residence in Bapraula village in Delhi on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: The rural environs of Bapraula at Najafgarh in Outer Delhi came alive on Wednesday when Sushil Kumar made the nation proud. Diwan Singh was the happiest father as his son landed an unexpected bronze medal in the Beijing Olympics. The atmosphere was festive as his village basked in the glory of its most distinguished son. Women joined in the dancing as everyone swayed to the drumbeats with the crowd breaking into impromptu bhangra. Sushil’s room, full of trophies and medals, was a pleasant reminder of his devotion to wrestling. “We will organise a memorable welcome for him, a motorcade from the airport, when he arrives,” gushed an elderly admirer.

Sushil’s humble background is strikingly similar to that of K.D. Jadhav who won a bronze at Helsinki in 1952. Mr. Diwan Singh, a driver by profession, recalled: “He was obsessed with wrestling and making India proud. He had promised us a medal when he left for the Olympics. His coach (Satpal) was convinced my son had great potential but needed some luck. This medal is a proof of his dedication and hard work.”

Sushil’s mother also played a significant role in helping the young wrestler make rapid progress from the time he took to serious wrestling at 14. “We were happy for Sushil but I was disappointed when he lost his first bout but there was hope when I heard he had a chance for a bronze. I prayed for his success. He has been an ideal son,” she added

The three-member wresting team had left the shores of India unsung. It was nothing new.

Sushil had once returned home to a silent reception after winning the world cadet championship.

His father and his coaches at different stages, Charan Das, Ram Phade and Yashvir Singh, ensured the lad got the basic facilities. Sushil did his bit even as his father sometimes borrowed to enable his son chase his dream of an Olympic medal.

There were celebrations also in Bhiwani, Vijender’s hometown. “Don’t congratulate me yet. Vijender will come back with the gold… we all are sure,” said Brish Bhan, Director at the Bhiwani Boxing Club, after the boxer assured at least a bronze medal following his 9-3 victory over Ecudor’s Carlos Gongora.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi