Hardeep Singh, a 16-year-old who was orphaned at eight, has etched his name in history by becoming India’s first-ever U-17 Greco-Roman wrestling world champion.
A Historic Victory Against the Odds
Stepping onto the mat in Athens, Hardeep, a wrestler from Haryana’s Mandothi village, showcased incredible resilience. He clinched India’s first Under-17 world title in the 110kg Greco-Roman category.
In a thrilling final, he overcame Iran’s Yazdan Delrouz with a 3-2 victory, remarkably recovering from a 0-2 deficit in the first round. This monumental win not only highlights his talent but also brings positive recognition to Mandothi, a village previously known for different reasons.
Strength That Defies Age
Hardeep’s coach, Arjuna Awardee Dharmender Dalal, speaks volumes about his protégé’s capabilities. “He is only 16 but his strength belies his age,” Dalal noted, expressing excitement about Hardeep’s future potential, especially in lower-body strength.
Beyond physical prowess, Hardeep’s mental toughness is equally impressive. Dalal highlighted his ability to come back from losing positions in both the semi-final and final, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure.
A Childhood Forged in Adversity
Hardeep’s journey to the top has been one of immense personal struggle. His paternal uncle, Jasjit Singh, shared the heartbreaking details of Hardeep losing both his parents when he was just eight years old.
His father, a wrestler with the Border Security Force, battled drug addiction. His mother, Asha Devi, passed away in a “tragic incident,” leaving Hardeep and his elder brother Sameer in dire circumstances. The family even had to sell land to survive.
Upholding a Wrestling Legacy
Despite the profound difficulties, Jasjit was resolute in continuing the family’s deep-rooted wrestling tradition, which spanned generations. Both Hardeep and Sameer were initially enrolled in a local akhara.
At the age of 12, Hardeep was moved to Dharmender Dalal’s renowned academy in Mandothi. This decision was a beacon of hope for their future in the sport.
Navigating a Village’s Reputation
Mandothi, while a hotbed for wrestling talent, has also garnered an unfortunate reputation as a hub for criminal activities. This concerned Jasjit greatly, who admitted to being “worried all the time” about the boys.
To ensure Hardeep and Sameer stayed focused and avoided negative influences, Jasjit made the significant sacrifice of quitting his government job. He dedicated himself fully to supervising their training and well-being, visiting them at the akhara multiple times daily.
Unwavering Family Dedication
The family’s commitment to Hardeep’s dream is extraordinary. His grandmother wakes up at 3 AM every day to prepare fresh meals and milk, which Jasjit personally delivers to the boys at the akhara. This dedicated routine has been unwavering for the past four years.
This immense family support ensures Hardeep receives the best nutrition and environment to thrive. Coach Dalal sees vast potential for Hardeep to improve further, especially in “ground positions,” acknowledging that at only 16, he is still developing into a complete wrestler.
- Hardeep Singh is India’s first U-17 Greco-Roman wrestling world champion.
- He overcame a 0-2 deficit in the final, demonstrating exceptional mental toughness.
- Hardeep was orphaned at age eight, facing immense personal challenges.
- His family made significant sacrifices to support his wrestling career.
Hardeep’s incredible journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience, dedication, and the unwavering support of a family determined to see him succeed against all odds.
