Post by : Meena Ariff

Two young wrestlers from Sonipat, Haryana, have made the whole country proud by winning medals in the International Wrestling Championship held in Thailand. The event was organized by the Indian community living in Thailand and saw participation from 65 wrestlers from both India and Thailand. Among them, 30 were from India.

The mud wrestling competition was the highlight of the championship, and two names stood out — Sahil Dagar from Revli village and Praveen from Sitawali village. Sahil fought his way to the top and won the gold medal, while Praveen showed great strength and skill to earn the silver medal. Their victory brought cheers and pride not only to Sonipat district but to the entire nation.

A Dream Fulfilled: From Village Fields to International Fame

Sahil Dagar’s journey is not just about wrestling; it is about turning a father’s unfulfilled dream into reality. Sahil comes from a simple farming family in Revli village. Years ago, his father had dreamed of becoming a wrestler. But due to family responsibilities, he had to give up his passion.

However, he never let that dream die. He passed it on to his sons, hoping they would fulfill what he once left behind. While Sahil’s elder brother could not continue in the sport, Sahil showed unwavering dedication. With hard work, discipline, and his father’s full support, he became the wrestler his father once dreamed of becoming.

Training, Tournaments, and Titles: The Journey Since 2020

Sahil started wrestling seriously in 2020. He trained at the famous Kaliram Akhara, where many strong wrestlers have been trained over the years. In just a few years, Sahil has participated in more than 100 wrestling matches across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

From small village events to big state tournaments, he has collected many titles and built a name for himself, especially in mud wrestling. His strength, grip, and smart moves have made him a rising star in this traditional Indian sport.

Injury Couldn’t Stop Him: Sahil’s Comeback Story

Every athlete faces challenges, and Sahil was no different. During a wrestling event in Purkhas, he suffered a serious back injury. For many, such an injury could mean the end of their sports career.

But Sahil was determined not to quit. He took time to recover, followed a strict routine, and slowly got back to full strength. His willpower and passion helped him overcome the pain and return even stronger. And that strength led him to the top spot in Thailand’s championship.

Father’s Role: The Backbone of Sahil’s Success

Behind every champion, there’s a pillar of strength. For Sahil, that pillar is his father. During the difficult days of the COVID-19 lockdown, when everything was shut and people were struggling, his father made sure Sahil's fitness was never affected.

Every day, he would travel long distances to bring fresh milk, which is very important for wrestlers. He never let Sahil’s diet break, and this care helped Sahil stay strong, focused, and ready for every match.

Praveen’s Silver Victory: Another Star from Sonipat

While Sahil won gold, Praveen from Sitawali village also made Haryana proud by winning silver in the same championship. Praveen’s journey is also filled with struggle, dedication, and the spirit of hard work. Together, both wrestlers have brought the spotlight to Haryana’s rich wrestling culture and the young talent that lies in its villages.

Grand Welcome in Sonipat

As soon as the news of their victory reached home, the people of Sonipat were filled with joy. When Sahil and Praveen returned, they were welcomed with dhol beats, flower garlands, and celebrations. Local villagers, family members, and fellow wrestlers gathered to honour their achievement. It was a moment of pride for the entire district.

What’s Next for Sahil? Aiming for Bigger Dreams

Sahil has now completed his graduation and is fully focused on wrestling. His next dream is to represent India in more international competitions and win medals for the country on bigger platforms. He says, “This is just the beginning. I want to bring more glory to India and make my father even prouder.”

Inspiration for Young Wrestlers

Sahil and Praveen’s success has become an inspiration for many young boys and girls who dream of becoming wrestlers. Their story shows that with hard work, strong will, and family support, anything is possible — even going from a small village to an international stage.

Their journey also reminds us that India’s future champions are not just born in big cities, but often rise from the muddy grounds of rural akharas, where traditions meet passion and dreams turn into reality.

The golden success of Sahil and the silver achievement of Praveen show that Sonipat continues to be a powerhouse of wrestling talent. Their story is not just about sports; it is about belief, family, culture, and the strength to never give up.

With young heroes like them, the future of Indian wrestling looks bright and strong.