With the extraordinary performance in Paris Olympic 2024, star Indian athlete, Neeraj chopra won the silver medal with a best throw of 89.45 meters and became the second India male athlete from post-independence who bagged two olympic medals in an individual event. Neeraj’s first Olympic medal was when he brought a Gold Medal to home in his astonished performance in Tokyo Olympics 2020. But you must know that before Neeraj, Sushil Kumar, India’s most embellished wrestler is the first Indian male athlete who clinched two olympic medals in an Individual event. Additionally, Sushil Kumar is the first Indian to win a wrestling world championship.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Sushil Kumar joined India’s list of Olympic medalists by winning a bronze in the 66kg category, marking the nation’s first Olympic wrestling medal since Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav’s bronze in 1952.
Four years later, at the London 2012 Games, the star Indian wrestler added more glory by clinching a silver medal, further elevating his status. Sushil Kumar’s second Olympic medal cemented his legacy, reflecting his dedication and deep love for the sport.
“Apart from wrestling, I don’t know much else,” says the three-time Olympian. Born in Baprola village in South West Delhi, Sushil was inspired to take up wrestling by his father and a cousin. He soon became one of the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) most celebrated athletes, earning personal accolades like the Arjuna Award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and the Padma Shri.
Beginning his training at the renowned Chhatrasal Stadium at the age of 14, Sushil Kumar first tasted success in 1998 when he won gold at the World Cadet Games. He continued his winning streak with another gold at the Asian Junior Wrestling Championship two years later.
In his initial foray into senior competitions, Kumar earned a bronze at the Asian Wrestling Championships and claimed gold at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in 2003. His debut Olympic appearance came at Athens 2004, where he finished 14th in the 60 kg weight class.