Vaishnavi Patil, a 22-year-old wrestler from Maharashtra, has finally clinched a spot in the World Wrestling Championships squad after years of near misses and relentless dedication.
From Mud to Mat: A Dream Forged
Vaishnavi Patil’s journey into wrestling began uniquely. Unlike many, she started not on a mat, but in the mud pits of Maharashtra, a region known for traditional mud wrestling.
Her inspiration struck in 2016 when she witnessed Sakshi Malik win an Olympic medal. That moment ignited a new ambition: to wrestle on the international stage, specifically on the mat.
Despite the lack of mat wrestling facilities in her area, Vaishnavi was determined. After four years of mud wrestling, she made the significant leap in 2020, moving to Hisar, Haryana, to train under coach Jasbeer at the Sushil Kumar Akhada.
A Hard-Fought Victory
The atmosphere at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium was electric as Vaishnavi took down Muskan of Haryana, securing her spot in the 65kg category for the World Championships.
This win marks her first time representing India at an international event, and it’s for the most prestigious tournament in wrestling. The triumph was unexpected for many, but a testament to Vaishnavi’s unwavering spirit.
For years, Vaishnavi had consistently participated in trials for major events like the Asian Games and previous World Championships. However, she often fell short in the semi-finals or quarter-finals, leading to moments of deep disappointment.
“I was losing every time, but I knew that I didn’t have to leave my determination to get better,” she reflected, highlighting her incredible resilience.
An Athlete Who Scouted Her Coach
In a rare turn of events, Vaishnavi took the initiative to find her own coach. During the 2020 Khelo India Youth Games, she observed the impressive performance of students from a particular academy.
Intrigued, she asked her father to inquire about their coach. This led them on a journey from Kalyan to Hisar to meet Jasbeer, who welcomed her into his academy.
Coach Jasbeer noted the immense progress Vaishnavi has made since she first joined. He described her as a hardworking athlete, expressing his profound happiness and goosebumps when she finally clinched her win.
Family’s Unwavering Support
Vaishnavi’s success is a shared victory for her family. Her father, Dilip Patil, a dhaba owner in Kalyan, was overwhelmed with congratulatory messages. Sending his daughter to Haryana to pursue wrestling was a leap of faith for the family.
The Patils made significant sacrifices, with family members taking turns to stay with Vaishnavi in Hisar for months at a time. This dedication ensured she had continuous support while focusing on her training.
Her coach even encouraged her to stay with him instead of returning for traditional “dangals” (mud wrestling bouts) in Maharashtra, sensing her rapid progression and the importance of focused training.
- Vaishnavi Patil earned her first international berth at the World Wrestling Championships after years of setbacks.
- She transitioned from traditional mud wrestling to mat wrestling after being inspired by Sakshi Malik’s Olympic win.
- She proactively sought out her coach, Jasbeer, moving from Maharashtra to Hisar to train under him.
- Her family made significant sacrifices, including living away from home for extended periods, to support her dream.
This breakthrough is just the beginning for Vaishnavi. After numerous defeats, she is determined to make this long-awaited opportunity count on the global stage.
