How can an international wrestlers be made in a small villages of 500 people?

For a wrestler from a village can rise to international recognition, there should be access to proper training facilities, even if it means starting with limited resources in their village. Finding a knowledgeable coach or mentor who can provide guidance and technical expertise is crucial. More than anything, a dedicated and passionate individual must emerge with a strong desire to excel in the sport.

During my all-India cycle tour, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Saurav Yadav, an exceptional 18-year-old wrestler hailing from the humble village of Mangeli in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district. With a population of merely 500, Mangeli may be small, but it has produced a remarkable talent. Saurav’s prowess in the wrestling arena is undeniable, having garnered multiple national awards and establishing himself as the reigning champion in the 60 kg category throughout Madhya Pradesh. His unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence aim to bring glory to India by securing a medal in the international stage. Through my interactions with Saurav, I gained profound insights into the sacrifices, challenges, and extraordinary mindset that propels an individual from a disadvantaged village background towards the pursuit of international recognition.

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The nurture

In the idyllic village of Mangeli, Saurav Yadav was born into a family deeply connected to the land. His father and uncle toiled on the farms, while his father also engaged in local wrestling, albeit in a more informal setting. Saurav’s first glimpse of the wrestling world came at the tender age of four when he witnessed the locals engaging in fierce battles on soil turfs created for special events. Inspired by this spectacle, Saurav resolved to become a wrestler himself. Under the guidance of his father, he began his training, honing his skills to triumph in the local events that unfolded across the district.

However, as he turned 14, Saurav realized that to reach greater heights, he needed a coach. In Jabalpur city, he discovered Mr. Aditya Rekwa, a former international wrestler, who dedicated himself to teaching wrestling to underprivileged children. Having achieved international victories for India in Australia and Kazakhstan, Mr. Aditya, now employed in the police department, selflessly offered free training to over 40 children, transforming his own house into a training ground. Saurav was drawn to Mr. Aditya’s compassionate mission and eagerly joined his training program, seeing it as an opportunity to uplift his life.

By the time he reached 18, Saurav had attained an exceptional level of skill, surpassing most wrestlers in Madhya Pradesh. However, at national events, he observed that the dominant winners hailed from Haryana. Recognizing the superior training opportunities and specialized diets available there, Saurav made a courageous decision. He packed his bags and ventured to Haryana, bringing along his two brothers, all driven by their collective desire to receive top-notch coaching.

Saurav acknowledges the risks that accompany the wrestling profession, as bones are broken and injuries are sustained. His brother carries a twisted arm as a painful reminder of their chosen path, while Saurav himself has endured a broken ear and ligament injuries in both knees. Yet, in the pursuit of their passion, they have acclimated to the cycle of injury, recovery, and returning to the sport stronger than before. Their resilience is a testament to the unwavering dedication and sacrifice required to excel in the demanding world of wrestling.

The nature

In the face of the grueling nature of wrestling and the relentless efforts required to improve, Saurav exuded a resolute determination to bring home a medal for India on the international stage. While external circumstances and the opportunities he encountered had undoubtedly shaped him into a tenacious fighter, there was an inherent aspect of his character that drove him to strive for victory. Curious to explore the depths of his motivation, I posed questions aimed at unraveling the essence of his being and understanding what drove him to aspire to such a remarkable achievement, despite his humble upbringing.

Justification

When asked about his motivation for becoming a wrestler, Saurav’s heartfelt response illuminated his deep-rooted aspirations. He expressed his earnest desire to bring recognition and honor to his beloved parents, his village, and the state of Madhya Pradesh. Saurav believed that his success in the wrestling arena would not only elevate his family’s status but also put his village on the map, bringing improvements to its conditions. While he acknowledged that an international accolade would secure him a job and provide for his family’s well-being, Saurav’s immediate focus resided in etching a remarkable legacy that would reverberate through his family, village, and the entire region.

Validation

When asked about his motivations, Saurav expressed a deeply personal perspective. He explained that his pursuit of wrestling greatness was not fueled by a desire for external recognition or the expectations of others. Instead, his driving force stemmed from an intrinsic sense of joy and fulfillment derived from the pursuit and realization of his dreams. Saurav’s ultimate goal was to achieve personal satisfaction, knowing that he had dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his aspirations and had triumphed for his own sake.

Complaints

Saurav candidly shared a couple of grievances he harbored. Firstly, he expressed discomfort with being summoned to showcase his wrestling prowess whenever conflicts arose in the village. While others may view it as a display of power, Saurav found no interest in such confrontations. He felt disheartened that his identity as a wrestler seemed limited to being a symbol of physical strength rather than being appreciated for his dedication to the sport. This perception within his village left him with a sense of unease.

Additionally, Saurav voiced his frustration with the prevailing attitude towards progress and success. He observed a prevalent trend, not just in his village but across Madhya Pradesh, where people seemed averse to supporting athletes or individuals who excelled in sports. He lamented the lack of encouragement and backing given to sportsmen who were striving to achieve greatness. Saurav’s complaint stemmed from the realization that the journey to success could be even more challenging when one faced a dearth of support and recognition from their own community.

Materialism

When questioned about how he would utilize a substantial sum of money, Saurav responded without hesitation: he would establish a wrestling center in his village. His unwavering commitment to his community was evident in his desire to provide a dedicated space where aspiring wrestlers could receive proper training and guidance. Saurav envisioned this center as a catalyst for nurturing young talents and fostering a thriving wrestling culture in his village.

Before delving into his concluding message, Saurav expressed his earnest plea. He wished to propagate the message that young children should steer clear of the dangers of drug abuse. Saurav believed that engaging in sports, such as wrestling, could serve as a powerful deterrent, keeping children away from harmful influences. By participating in sports, youngsters could channel their energy, cultivate discipline, and find purpose, ultimately leading to a healthier and brighter future.

As I bid Saurav farewell, I couldn’t help but appreciate the mindset of individuals like him who dare to dream big and strive for recognition. It all begins with a genuine passion and a desire to leave a mark on the world. If you have any thoughts or reflections on Saurav’s journey or the power of ambition, feel free to share your comments below. For more inspiring articles like this, be sure to visit the homepage and subscribe to our newsletters. Together, let’s continue to explore and celebrate the stories of those who dare to reach for greatness.