Last Updated on 3 June 2023 by Biographybliss Team
Sushil Kumar is a celebrated Indian wrestler who has made the country proud with his remarkable achievements in the sport.
He was born and raised in a humble family in Najafgarh, South West Delhi, and trained under the tutelage of the famous wrestler Diwan Singh and later, Satpal Singh.
Sushil Kumar has won numerous titles in wrestling at national and international levels, including consecutive gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the World Wrestling Championships.
He is the first Indian freestyle wrestler to win a medal at the Olympic Games, with a silver medal in 2012 and a bronze in 2008. Additionally, he was also awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
Highlights of His Career
Sushil Kumar is an Indian wrestler who has made a name for himself both in Indian and global wrestling arenas, and here are some of the highlights of his outstanding career.
Becoming a National Wrestling Champion at a young age, Sushil Kumar won his first big medal, a bronze, at the Asian Wrestling Championships in 2003 in the 60 kg category.
He was determined to excel beyond this victory and worked industriously to enhance his skills, which culminated in winning two consecutive gold medals in the same category at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships.
With his sights set more extensive, Sushil Kumar made many more strides on the international podium which earned him multiple medals.
Still, his most remarkable athletic achievements were winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, followed by a historic silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics in the 66 kg freestyle wrestling category.
Apart from the Olympics, Sushil Kumar has also won medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Wrestling Championships.
The Indian Government and sports organizations have recognized his hard work and achievements, and Kumar has been awarded several honors throughout his career, such as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the second-highest sports honor in India, among others.
Sushil Kumar has always been passionate about giving back to society, and he has extended his philanthropic works through his Sushil Kumar Wrestling Academy, which he founded to coach aspiring young wrestlers free of charge.
He has also been an advocate for healthy eating and organic farming and has launched several programs for promoting healthy diets and organic farming techniques.
In conclusion, Sushil Kumar’s wrestling career is a shining example and a massive inspiration to upcoming wrestlers. With his numerous medals, awards, and recognition, both in India and globally, Sushil Kumar is a legend in his own right.
Personal Life
Sushil Kumar, one of India’s most celebrated athletes, is not just known for his impressive sporting career, but also for his personal life. Born in South West Delhi in 1983, Sushil was brought up in humble beginnings by his father, Diwan Singh, who was a driver with the MTNL Delhi.
Despite the initial challenges, Kumar went on to become one of the greatest Indian wrestlers of all time, winning numerous medals and accolades for the country.
However, beyond his professional success, Sushil Kumar’s personal life is an inspiration to many. This section will delve into the lesser-known facets of his life outside the wrestling mat.
Early Life and Family Background
Sushil Kumar, the Indian freestyle wrestler, was born on May 26, 1983, in the South West Delhi area of India. Kumar was fascinated by wrestling from a young age, being influenced by his family members who had a wrestling background.
His father, Diwan Singh, was himself an amateur wrestler and encouraged Sushil to pursue it as well. Sushil’s cousin, Sandeep, also played a significant role in his career choice. Sandeep was a national wrestling champion and introduced Sushil to the Pehlwani wrestling school. Pehlwani is a traditional form of wrestling practiced in the Indian subcontinent.
At the Pehlwani wrestling school, Sushil developed his skills and demonstrated a natural talent for wrestling. He even won several local wrestling championships at a young age.
Despite his passion for wrestling, Sushil Kumar also prioritized education and completed his schooling from the B-I Block Primary School in Najafgarh, Delhi. He then enrolled at the Nizamuddin school for further studies.
Currently, Kumar works as a commercial manager at the Indian Railways, and his job also supports his wrestling career.
However, Sushil Kumar is currently facing trial in a case of the alleged murder of wrestler Sagar Dhankhar during a brawl at the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi. The legal proceedings of which are still ongoing.
Education and Training
Sushil Kumar, the renowned Indian wrestler, was born on May 26, 1983, in South West Delhi. From a young age, Sushil displayed an inclination towards wrestling, which was nurtured and developed by his cousin, Sandeep, who was a national wrestling champion.
Sushil began his training at the Pehlwani wrestling school, where he honed his skills and won numerous local championships. However, it wasn’t long before his coaches recognized his potential and suggested that he switch to freestyle wrestling.
Sushil heeded their advice and began training in freestyle wrestling, which marked a turning point in his career. Under the guidance of seasoned coaches like Diwan Singh, Gyan Singh, and Satpal Singh, Sushil developed his skills and technique. The coaches helped Sushil perfect his moves, and he soon became a force to reckon with on the mat.
Throughout his training, Sushil’s dedication and hard work were evident, and he made remarkable progress in his career. He won consecutive gold medals at the national and international level, cementing his position as an Indian freestyle wrestler.
Sushil’s switch to freestyle wrestling was a significant turning point in his career. His natural talent, combined with his rigorous training and the guidance of his coaches, helped him achieve numerous accolades.
In 2008, Sushil Kumar made history by becoming the first Indian wrestler in 56 years to win a medal at the Olympics. He won a bronze medal in the freestyle wrestling event of the Beijing Olympics.
Sushil’s achievements continued, and he went on to win several other medals, including a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi. Sushil Kumar’s dedication and hard work have been recognized with several awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri and cash rewards from the Indian government.
In conclusion, Sushil Kumar’s success in wrestling can be attributed to his rigorous training and education under the guidance of experienced coaches. His switch from pehlwani to freestyle wrestling was a pivotal moment in his career and paved the way for numerous accolades.
Marriage and Children
Sushil Kumar is married and has two children. He tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend, Savi Kumar, in 2011. Savi Kumar is a well-educated woman who holds a Ph.D. in Sociology.
The couple first met at an akhada (wrestling training center) in Delhi, where Savi was pursuing her research project.
Sushil and Savi have two sons, Yash and Dushyant. According to Sushil, his wife and children have been a source of inspiration and support for him throughout his wrestling career. He believes that their unwavering support has played a crucial role in his success.
Sushil Kumar’s personal life has been relatively private, and he has kept his family away from the limelight. However, in 2021, Sushil was embroiled in a controversial legal battle related to the murder of fellow wrestler Sagar Dhankhar.
The incident allegedly took place at the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi, where Sushil had been a coach. Media reports suggested that the altercation was related to a property dispute between Sushil and a fellow wrestler.
The incident garnered widespread media attention, and Sushil’s personal and professional life came under scrutiny.
In conclusion, Sushil Kumar’s marital life is stable, and he has found support and inspiration in his wife and children. Nevertheless, the controversies surrounding Sushil’s life have impacted his personal and professional life significantly.
Professional Wrestling Career
Sushil Kumar’s professional wrestling career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements in both national and international competitions.
He initially trained under coach Satpal Singh, who recognized his potential as a wrestler and mentored him through his journey. Sushil soon became a national wrestling champion and went on to win consecutive gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
He then made history by winning India’s first individual wrestling medal at the Olympics, a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Sushil continued to outdo himself and won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, cementing his status as one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers.
Amateur Wrestling Career
Sushil Kumar is an Indian wrestler who has left an indelible mark on the world of amateur wrestling. He began his training at a young age under coaches Yashvir Singh and Ramphal in Delhi’s South West district.
It was here that his passion for wrestling was nurtured, and he quickly made a name for himself in the local wrestling circuit.
However, Sushil’s success in amateur wrestling truly soared when he began training under the guidance of Satpal Singh, his future father-in-law and an Arjun-awardee coach. Singh’s expertise and training methods proved to be the cornerstone of Sushil’s wrestling career.
They trained rigorously together at the Indian Railways camp where Sushil was further honed by renowned coaches like Gyan Singh and Rajkumar Baisla Gurjar.
Sushil’s first notable victory came in 2003 when he won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships.
He continued to make a name for himself in the wrestling world, winning consecutive gold medals at the International Wrestling Championships from 2008 to 2011.
However, the highlight of Sushil’s amateur wrestling career came in 2010 when he competed in the World Wrestling Championships in Moscow.
He became the first Indian wrestler to win a world title in the 66 kg category, defeating the local favourite Alan Gogaev.
Sushil continued to make waves in the wrestling arena and was rewarded with numerous accolades, including a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He was also awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
Today, Sushil Kumar is a celebrated name in the wrestling world. He has opened his own wrestling academy and is actively involved in coaching young wrestlers.
His journey from a young boy training in Delhi’s South West district to becoming a world-renowned wrestler is an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers in India and beyond.
Professional Wrestling Career Achievements
Sushil Kumar’s professional wrestling career is marked with incredible achievements and remarkable performances. He became a household name in the Indian wrestling arena and a source of inspiration for aspiring wrestlers across the country.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Sushil Kumar represented India in the freestyle wrestling event in the 66 kg weight category. He won the bronze medal, becoming only the second Indian to achieve Olympic glory in wrestling after Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav.
Sushil’s stunning performance earned him accolades not only from the Indian government but also from wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.
In the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, Sushil Kumar displayed his dominance by clinching the gold medal in the 66 kg category.
He further established himself as a wrestler to watch out for, securing the gold medal in the following year’s Commonwealth Wrestling Championships held in South Africa.
The highlight of Sushil Kumar’s professional wrestling career came in the 2012 London Olympics. He emerged as a strong contender in the 66 kg category and faced some of the best wrestlers from around the world.
Sushil eased past his opponents in the early rounds and advanced to the finals, where he faced Japanese wrestler Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu. Although he put up a strong fight, Sushil had to settle for a silver medal in what was one of the most memorable wrestling matches in the Olympics.
Apart from the Olympic medals, Sushil Kumar’s professional wrestling career is studded with numerous other victories.
He won the gold medal in the 2010 World Wrestling Championships held in Moscow, becoming the first Indian freestyle wrestler to clinch the title.
Sushil’s ability to overcome tough opponents like Andriy Stadnik, Heinrich Barnes, Alan Gogaev, Johannes Botha, and others made him a force to reckon with in the wrestling arena.
Sushil Kumar also tasted success in the Asian Games where he won gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 editions, cementing his reputation as a formidable wrestler.
His incredible achievements in professional wrestling and tireless dedication to the sport have inspired a new generation of Indian wrestlers.
In conclusion, Sushil Kumar’s professional wrestling career was one marked with numerous highlights and victories.
His impressive performances in various international championships, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Wrestling Championships, and Asian Games, have earned him a place in Indian sports history.
FAQs
Has Sushil Kumar been involved in any controversies?
In May 2021, Sushil Kumar was arrested along with several others for his alleged involvement in the murder of fellow wrestler Sagar Dhankhar. The incident took place in Delhi, India, and shook the wrestling fraternity. Sushil was subsequently suspended from the Indian Railways, where he was employed as an officer, and his name was removed from the Wrestling Federation of India's annual contract list.
What is Sushil Kumar’s family background and personal life like?
Sushil Kumar was born on May 26, 1983, in Baprola village in South West Delhi, India. His father, Diwan Singh, was a driver in MTNL Delhi. Sushil is married to Savi Kumar, and the couple has two children together.
Did Sushil Kumar establish any wrestling academies or training centers?
Yes, Sushil Kumar set up the Sushil Kumar Wrestling Academy in Delhi to train and nurture young wrestlers. The academy is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and is focused on promoting freestyle wrestling in the country.
What honors and awards has Sushil Kumar received?
Sushil Kumar has received several awards and honors for his contributions to Indian wrestling. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2011, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the highest sporting honor in India, in 2008. He has also received cash rewards and other honors from the Indian government and various sports organizations for his achievements in wrestling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sushil Kumar’s career as an Indian wrestler is a testament to his grit, determination, and hard work. He has achieved several medals and honors during his career, including Olympic medals, Commonwealth Games gold medals, and World Wrestling Championships titles. However, lately, he is involved in controversies that have tarnished his reputation and cast a shadow over his sporting achievements.
