Sakshi Malik became the first Indian female wrestler to win an Olympic medal, clinching a bronze in the Women’s 58kg freestyle category.
Wrestling, a sport deeply ingrained in India’s cultural fabric, has also found a prominent place in the country’s Olympic journey. Here, we dive into India’s performance in wrestling across various Olympic Games, highlighting moments of glory, near misses, and the overall trajectory of success.
Independent India’s wrestling story at the Olympics began with a historic feat. KhashabaDadasahebJadhav, or K.D.Jadhav as he was fondly known, etched his name in history by clinching a bronze medal in the Men’s 57kg freestyle category at the 1952 Helsinki Games. This pioneering achievement marked the beginning of India’s wrestling legacy on the Olympic stage. However, replicating this success proved a significant challenge. For the next five decades, India struggled to find another wrestler who could match Jadhav’s accomplishment.
Yogeshwar Dutt, competing in the Men’s 60kg freestyle category, secured a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics// Picture Courtesy — Wikimedia
The wait for another Indian wrestling medal at the Olympics finally ended in 2008. Sushil Kumar emerged as a beacon of hope, securing a bronze medal in the Men’s 66kg freestyle category at the Beijing Games. This achievement rekindled India’s passion for Olympic wrestling and ushered in a new era of success.
Sushil Kumar’s impact extended beyond his initial medal. He became the flagbearer for India at the 2012 London Olympics and further solidified his position as a wrestling icon by winning a silver medal in the same weight category (66kg freestyle). Notably, he remains the only Indian athlete to win more than one individual Olympic medal in wrestling.
Sushil Kumar vs Tanatarov at the 2012 Olympics pic.twitter.com/cuoFxb4T3s
— OLD SCHOOL WRESTLING CLIPS (@Gut_Bench69) April 11, 2023
The 2012 London Olympics witnessed a broader display of Indian wrestling prowess. Yogeshwar Dutt, competing in the Men’s 60kg freestyle category, secured a bronze medal, showcasing the growing depth of talent in Indian wrestling. This victory, alongside Sushil Kumar’s silver, marked a significant moment for the sport in India.
The Rio Olympics in 2016 saw another crucial milestone. Sakshi Malik became the first Indian female wrestler to win an Olympic medal, clinching a bronze in the Women’s 58kg freestyle category. This victory not only brought home a medal,but also served as a major inspiration for aspiring female wrestlers across the country. Malik’s achievement marked a crucial step forward for women’s wrestling in India, paving the way for future generations.
Sakshi Malik’s achievement marked a crucial step forward for women’s wrestling in India // Picture Courtesy — Hindustan Times
While India has secured medals in recent Olympics, there have also been noteworthy near misses that deserve recognition. The records of some wrestlers showcase the dedication and talent present just outside the medal zone.KeshavMangave (1952 — Men’s 52kg freestyle), Sudesh Kumar (1972 — Men’s 52kg freestyle), PremNath (1972 — Men’s 57kg freestyle), and Jagmander Singh (1980 — Men’s 68kg freestyle) all came agonizingly close to medals, finishing fourth in their respective categories.
Similarly, Rajinder Singh, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, narrowly missed a podium finish at the 1984 Olympics, placing fourth in the Men’s 74kg freestyle category. These near misses,though not medals, highlight the consistent presence of strong Indian contenders throughout the years.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw India continue its impressive wrestling performance, solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. Ravi Kumar Dahiya secured a silver medal in the Men’s 57kg freestyle category,showcasing his exceptional technique and strategic prowess. Bajrang Punia, another prominent Indian wrestler, clinched a bronze medal in the Men’s 65kg freestyle category, further bolstering India’s medal tally. This marked the second time India had won two wrestling medals at a single Olympics, following the success in London 2012.
Once again India wins Gold 🇮🇳.Olympic silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya bags a gold medal in 57 Kg weight category in wrestling with a 10-0 victory in #commonwealthgames2022 pic.twitter.com/0ln1xBHJNc
— Shikha Rai (@shikharaibjp) August 6, 2022
India’s wrestling journey at the Olympics has been one of perseverance and progress. From K.D. Jadhav’s pioneering feat to the recent triumphs in Tokyo, Indian wrestlers have consistently challenged for medals and demonstrated their talent on the global stage. With a strong wrestling tradition, a growing pool of talented athletes, and continued support for the sport, Indian wrestling will only go up from here on.
