One-handed magician

 

Archer Shweta targets Paralympics

n By Paritosh Pramanik

RAIPUR, Apr 2

GADCHIROLI’S para archer Shweta Bhaskar Kove’s story isn’t just about finishing on podiums. It’s about breaking barriers, challenging limitations, and inspiring a generation of women to believe that nothing is impossible if there is a will to excel in life and sports.

Born with only one hand (right hand developed only till elbow), the 19-year-old Maharashtra archer has achieved what most of the able-bodied archers couldn’t dream off. She has clinched several medals — gold, silver, bronze — for her State and has represented the country in Asian Championship as well. And she yearns for more success at international level. Her ultimate dream is to represent India in Paralympics.

Participating with able-bodied archers here at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) in Raipur, Shweta and her team missed the bronze medal in compound event but she is not disheartened. Instead, she has started training for her next trials for an international event which will be held in coming months.

Born in a farm labourers family, Shweta lost her father Bhaskar a few years ago. Her mother, Manjusha, works on a farm to make ends meet. Her younger brother, Snehal, who is also a State-level archer, took up the sport looking at the success of Shweta.

But archery was not the first love for Shweta. She took up gun shooting initially and even moved to the top four-bracket at national level. However, “partiality” forced her to replace bullets with arrows.

“I used to do gun shooting in Jaripatka, Nagpur. But due to partiality I had to look away from shooting. My coach Shashank sir asked me to take up archery and I went to Buldhana under the tutelage of coach Chandrakant Ilag. He invented the releaser for me with which I can release the arrow with the help of my neck,” a pint-sized Shweta told ‘The Hitavada’ beside the archery range at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium Complex, on Thursday.

Being a gun shooter, Shweta had lesser difficulty in lifting the bow. But the equipment is quite heavy and the 19-year-old had to develop strength in her bow lifting left hand. She used to lift dumbbell for hours to develop strength. “It’s painful but to achieve success, one has to bear pain,” Shweta stated.

With a lean body frame it is very difficult for the Gadchiroli girl to train for long hours. Her shoulder aches, back breaks, but her determination keeps her going.

“I train for 7 to 8 hours in two sessions daily. It is painful. The shoulder breaks and the back gives up. I could not stand and needed a massage to relieve back pain. But I am not complaining,” the 1st Year BA student of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule College and a silver medallist at Jaipur Nationals (2024-25), said.

Shweta, who represented India at the Asian Youth Para Championship in Dubai earlier this year, had to suffer another ordeal immediately after returning from the Gulf nation.

“Due to the Indigo fiasco earlier this year, my flights to Nagpur were cancelled. I was stranded in New Delhi and after a couple of days, I got a train ticket. But my reservation was from Bhopal and I had to travel standing. It was only after the TTE recognised me and gave me a seat,” narrated Shweta.

The ‘one-handed magician’ wants support from the Government as it is financially very taxing to continue performing with the meager funds.

“A top quality bow costs around Rs 10 lakh. I am practicing with equipment which costs Rs 4 lakh. Lloyds Metals financially assisted me and gave Rs 1 lakh at the hands of CM Devendra Fadnavis recently which I used to purchase this equipment. But I need funds to purchase good equipment. With good equipment my performance can improve manifold,” she said with confidence. “I wish to represent India at the Paralympics and I will train hard to achieve my ultimate dream,” she confidently declared.

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After powerlifting and arm-wrestling, Debi finds peace in wrestling

WINS SILVER MEDAL IN KITG

n Special Correspondent

RAIPUR, Apr 2

SHE started her sporting journey with powerlifting but then shifted to arm-wrestling. With strength in her arms and wrists, Khelo India Centre wrestling coach Anustup Narah asked her to take up wrestling. And as they say, the rest is history.

The story of Assam wrestler Debi Daimiri’s is of willpower, determination and search of 

satisfaction.

She found the satisfaction she needed in wrestling and is now collecting medals at various wrestling events.

The 28-year-old Debi clinched the silver medal in the women’s 62kg category at the Khelo India Tribal Games here, in Raipur on Thursday.

Though she could not grab the gold medal, Debi is satisfied with finishing on the podium.

“This medal is the result of my hard work and I will train harder to change the colour of my medal next season,” Debi said on Thursday.

Hailing from Dineshpur village in Sisupani, Golaghat district of Assam, Debi lost her parents when she was seven years old. Her uncle and aunt took care of her from that tender age and also supported her in fulfilling her sporting dreams.

Recalling her journey, Debi said, “I started wrestling in 2022 at Khelo India Centre in Bokakhat near Kaziranga. I had to rent a room nearby and for that I took up a part-time job.

To make ends meet and fund her training Debi had to do odd jobs.

“In the same year, I worked at a mall (Easy Bazaar store) in Bokakhat where I earned of Rs 2500 per month. I kept on changing jobs in search of better financial returns. In 2023, I got a swimming pool cleaning job at Bon Villa Resort in Kaziranga where I earned around Rs 7000 per month,” said the wrestler.

Before stepping on the wrestling mat, Debi was involved in powerlifting and arm-wrestling. In 2022, she met Assam team coach Narah, under whose guidance she learned the nuances of wrestling.

For better training, Narah adviced Debi to rent a room near the training centre. He also helped her get a job through the district wrestling association and arranged a bicycle for her.

In the same year, Debi qualified for the Senior State Wrestling Championships held in Visakhapatnam and two years later (2024), she went on to clinch her maiden yellow metal at State meet.

The 28-year-old wrestler got married in 2025 and the support of her husband and in-laws has only made her more determined to succeed at the national stage.

“I thank my in-laws for supporting me in my sporting career. My husband, who works in Bengaluru, constantly supports me by sending money so that I don’t face any difficulties.

“My next target is to win medals at the senior level and then compete internationally. For that I am tirelessly working to improve my style of play and also increase my strength,” she concluded.

You can’t produce medal winners by showing them ‘Saas Bahu’ serials at home: Bhutia

 

BHUTIA, MARY KOM FEEL KITG WILL TAKE INDIAN SPORT TO GREATER HEIGHTS

By Paritosh Pramanik

RAIPUR, Apr 3

LAUDING the initiative of Sports Authority of India (SAI) by starting Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG), sporting legends of country — boxer MC Mary Kom and footballer Bhaichung Bhutia assured that Indian sport will reach greater heights with tribal athletes shining at the international level in coming years.

Addressing a packed press conference on the last day of KITG in Raipur, both the sporting icons were of the view that there is great potential in Indian athletes which has to be channelled in a proper systematic way.

“KITG is a good initiative of the government. We never got such a platform in our days. There was no awareness in those days and we have to train on our own,” said six times amateur world boxing champion Mary Kom.

Adding to it, former India football captain Bhutia said, “Athletes should take advantage of the facilities central and state governments are providing. We never got such facilities but the present generation is lucky to get all they want. In football, we have much better infrastructure than what some of the South American countries have.”

Both the icons hoped that from next edition more discipline would be added. “We hope that from next year more events are added and the Games get much bigger,” they hoped.

With a message to never give up and keep fighting Mary Kom said that pressure to perform will always be there. “Starting from parents’ high expectations, pressure will be there at school and at international levels. Athletes will have to learn how to absorb pressure and perform in adverse situations,” she advised.

Bhutia and Mary Kom both felt it is the responsibility of parents to develop sports culture at home. Then only an international sportsperson can be produced.

“It is not the sole responsibility of SAI or the State government to produce athletes. The responsibility starts with parents at home. If you give a mobile in the hands of a growing child, how can one expect him to become a talented sportsperson,” asked Mary Kom.

“If you show kids ‘Saas Bahu’ serial daily at prime time, how can you expect your wards to excel in sports? It is the duty of parents and family members to develop a sporting environment in their home. Then only they can expect their kids to win medals,” stated Bhutia.

Bhutia was more realistic while speaking about the administrative structure in the country and the reason for declining football in the country. 

“I am a product of SAI and have grown in stature from the academy. But the administrative structure has to be changed. In our country top officials in sports administration refuse to vacate their positions and are occupying the chair for three-four decades. They feel it as their fiefdom and refuse to accept change. This hampers the growth of the sport,” he explained.

Refusing to draw parallel with cricket, Bhutia admitted that football is at its nadir in India but added that it is at Number 2 after cricket, viewership wise.

“I don’t want to draw a comparison between football and cricket. Ours is a cricket-loving nation. But at the same time football followers are also in large numbers. Viewership-wise we (football) still stands at second position in our country. The ISL is watched in large numbers,” Bhutia said.

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ODISHA’S GOLDEN DOUBLE

HI President Tirkey attributes hockey success to sporting culture in the State

Appreciates Govt’s initiative of organising KITG for tribal community

n By Paritosh Pramanik

RAIPUR, Apr 3

THE golden double by Odisha men and women hockey teams at the Khelo India Tribal Games in Raipur has once again stamped tribal region’s authority in the country.

In the men’s final, Odisha beat Jharkhand 4-1 while the women narrowly defeated Mizoram 1-0 here at Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium, the other day.

Odisha has been producing international hockey players on a regular basis, a reason why kids take up the sport from a tender age.

Players like multiple-time Olympian and current Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, Michael Kindo, Amit Rohidas, Prabodh Tirkey, Birendra Lakra, women stalwarts Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo are a few names from Odisha who have brought laurels to the country.

Former hockey Olympian Tirkey was elated with the twin gold medals at the first games held especially for the tribal community.

Speaking exclusively with ‘The Hitavada’ from Bhubaneshwar, Tirkey said the efforts put in by the Odisha Government and Sports Authority of India are the reason for success of the State teams.

High on the double golds, Tirkey wished the next Khelo India Tribal Games be held in Odisha.

“It’s a commendable performance from both men and women teams at Raipur. I am happy that Odisha is producing title winners,” former India captain Tirkey shared his views.

“We are working hard here in Odisha for the development of hockey. Our aim is to produce medal winning hockey players who can also represent the country. There is unflinching support to the players from the Odisha Government. We have developed a sporting culture in our State,” said the former India defender.

“Thanks to the Odisha Government which is supporting the game at the national level as well,” he added. The Odisha Government has extended its sponsorship to the Indian teams till 2036.

“It (KITG) was a very important tournament for us. Many top teams like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra participated. They all were strong teams and Odisha showed its power on the turf,” he added.

Tirkey was of the view that KITG was a great platform for tribals to show their talent.

“It was a huge platform for tribals to show what they possess. SAI selection committee was also present in Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja for talent hunt. Those selected will get special training at different SAI centres,” Tirkey informed.

“Earlier, many tribal kids could not get selected for national games and other championships. KITG brought forth the talent of players from tribal communities. It has given them the platform to excel and get noticed. This will help India getting a pool of more talented players for future,” Tirkey, who led India at 2004 Athens Games, said.

Meanwhile, former Olympian Ajit Lakra, a member of 1992 Barcelona Olympics and now head coach at Bilaspur Centre of Excellence said, “The entire system, right from grassroots to junior and then senior levels, is gradually becoming stronger. Athletes from tribal regions, in particular, are benefiting greatly. Their natural talent is now being refined with proper guidance and training.”

Former Olympian Manohar Topno, who competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and has coached both Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh men’s teams, lauded the SAI’s efforts.

“I would like to thank SAI for organising this grassroots tournament. The boys and girls from our communities are rising and rebuilding. If we continue like this, one day these players will represent India,” Topno said to SAI media.

Hockey India member Asrita Lakra highlighted how these changes are inspiring athletes. “Hockey is deeply ingrained in the blood of kids in these tribal regions, so they are naturally drawn to the sport. Platforms like Khelo India Tribal Games have given them direction,” Lakra said.

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Karnataka are overall champs

Maharashtra finish fourth 

while hosts Chhattisgarh ninth 

n Special Correspondent

RAIPUR, Apr 3

KARNATAKA emerged as the overall champions with a total of 38 medals in their kitty as it was curtains on the first Khelo India Tribal Games here at Raipur on Friday. The southern State collected 23 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals to stay at the top perch of the tally.

On last day of the Games, former world junior champion Komalika Bari of Jharkhand added the recurve women’s archery gold medal to her mixed triumph while Odisha’s Arjun Khara clinched the recurve men’s category gold but these efforts were not enough for the chasing pack to dislodge Karnataka from the top.

Thirty States and Union Territories participated in the inaugural edition that witnessed close to 3800 participants compete in nine sports disciplines. A whopping 106 gold medals were on offer across archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting and wrestling.

Odisha finished second collecting 21 gold, 15 silver and 21 bronze medals. Odisha ended with a total of 57 medals in their bag thus becoming the only State to cross a half century of medals. Jharkhand ended third with 16 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze.

Maharashtra finished fourth with 6 gold, 10 silver and 4 bronze while Arunachal Pradesh completed the top five with 6 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals.

Hosts Chhattisgarh also gave a strong account of the sporting talent among the tribal community as they clinched three gold, 10 silver and 6 bronze medals to finish ninth. Chhattisgarh’s last medal was a silver in men’s football on Saturday when they went down 0-1 against West Bengal in the final.

After getting UT status, archery in Ladakh growing exponentially: Coach Khan

By Paritosh Pramanik

RAIPUR, Mar 31

LADAKH is admired for its beauty and snow-clad mountains. But for archery coach Feroz Ali Khan the ‘newly carved’ Union Territory of India will soon be known for its sportspersons and Olympian archers.

Khan, who himself is a national level archer, is in Raipur with a contingent of six archers participating in the first Khelo India Tribal Games. 

Taking his time out during the compound archery competition at Sardar Patel International Hockey Stadium Complex, Khan exuded confidence that the day is not far when archers from the hilly region of the country start producing internationally acclaimed archers and even Olympians.

“There is no dearth of sporting talent in Ladakh. The only thing is promotion of sport is a bit slow. But with the Narendra Modi Government carving out a Union Territory (in 2019), sports and archery in particular is getting due recognition. The day is not far when these milky mountains will shine with Olympian archers,” Khan confidently says while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ on Tuesday.

“Archery is a traditional sport in Ladakh. It is in our blood. The best part of Ladakh is that parents themselves take interest in their wards to take up sports. They bring their kids without fail to our academy for training, that too from far flung hilly areas,” mentions Khan, who is a member of Ladakh Archery Association.

“Our archers are performing well in age group events at NTPC nationals. They are finishing in the top six brackets on a regular basis. Earlier, the journey was long, from district to state and then nationals. Now, they (archers) get a chance to show their talent directly in national level meets. 

“Though the government is promoting the sport, I think we should get top quality equipment at national meets. Archery equipment is very costly. At present we have basic equipment,” Khan says, adding that “good coaches and infrastructure is need of the hour.”

With the snow covering the mountains for more than six months, it’s difficult to practice but still the Ladakhis make no excuses. “The archers train in minus temperatures. It is not easy to maintain focus and take aim at the target. You can understand how difficult it is to train in bone chilling weather. But tournaments (organised by clubs) take place in winter only and the participation is tremendous,” 43-year-old Khan proudly narrates.

Khan is a true sports promoter. He runs a club -- Downhill Kargil Club which gives training in archery, ice hockey, roller skating and cycling (MTB). “The club gives more preference to women. In the prestigious annual LG Cup our girls have been winning the championship for the last two years. So there is no gender bias,” Khan signs off.

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Suraj, shining amidst gloomy days

By Paritosh Pramanik

RAIPUR, Mar 31

TRIBAL athletes show a different kind of will to excel and fight till the end to emerge victorious. 

Like most of the ‘adivasis’, Maharashtra’s long distance runner Suraj Mashi too is a story of grit, determination, sorrow, combined with few successes.

Hailing from Mokhada Taluka in Palghar, Suraj brought a different kind of energy in a family of four sisters. But his formative years compelled him to share the burden of the family of five.

With no other option, Suraj, who bagged silver in 5000m in the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games, has to support his family financially, even as he has to foot his training bills…all in meager prize money of Rs 3000-5000 and sometimes even less.

“I dream of representing the country one day. I shifted to Nashik to study and to pursue my dream of running for the nation. 

“But here the coaching fee is Rs 4000 per month. I can’t afford it. Plus I have to pay my room rent.

Hence I try to win as many races as I can in Maharashtra and Gujarat. 

“I can’t afford a personal coach but when I feel like seeking some advice I reach out to my seniors,” said Suraj, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.

Suraj , who belongs to the Warli tribe, suffered a jolt at an early age when his mother got bed-ridden after slipping in their house and the responsibility of his sisters came on his shoulders.

“I try to participate in competitions to make a living. I run cross-country races, other competitions where I manage to earn around Rs 3000 to Rs 5000,every month.

“I send some amount to my father (a labourer) and also pay for my education, training,” said 18-year-old Suraj.

Suraj feels that the Khelo India Tribal Games is a good initiative from the government but adds that if financial aid is also given then it would be more beneficial.

“If the winners get some financial assistance it would do them a world of good,” he concluded.

Number of disciplines in KITG may increase next year: Union Minister Khadse

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

RAIPUR, Apr 1

DECLARING that the first Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) held in Raipur has been huge success, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse said that the games will expand with each passing year and Indian sports would be benefited with fresh talents from the hinterlands.

Addressing a packed press conference, Khadse lauded the efforts taken by Chhattisgarh government and all those associated in organising the event.

“The first Khelo India Tribal Games has turned out to be a huge success and I congratulate Chhattisgarh government for organising it in a well-planned manner on such a short notice,” Khadse told the media on Wednesday.

This year, competitions were held in seven disciplines and Khadse believed that in future more sports will be added.

“This is the first Tribal Games and we have received good response from tribal communities. We will definitely try to increase the number of disciplines in future but first we will have a review meeting and then will think about it. The response from athletes was tremendous and more discipline will bring more talent,” Khadse declared.

On expanding its wings in the country, Khadse said that the government will try to take these games to maximum tribal belts of the country. “I belong to Maharashtra. Districts like Chandrapur, Gadchiroli and Nandurbar are also tribal belts. These games are exclusively for the tribal community and we will take it to tribal belts only in future.”

Khadse mentioned that since the last eight years, sports culture has started developing in the country and the government is committed to take the sports to the next level.

“Now, tribals are hoping to excel in sports at national 

level. They are aiming to get a job through sports,” she claimed.

“Sports culture has now started developing in India. Women are stepping forward to take up sports now. Through Asmita League, we have received tremendous response from the fairer sex. Around 2 lakh women participated in the Asmita League on March 8, which was really heartening.

“We want to take the sports culture to every part of the country and to every house of this nation. We want every single kid to take up sports in India. Then only we will become a powerhouse in sports in future,” Khadse felt.

“At the same time we will have to make a balance between traditional games and developed sports. We will have to see what kind of potential we get in traditional sport and at the same time will have to keep promoting those sportspersons training for Olympic sports,” Khadse clarified.

“With the help of State governments, we are preparing a roadmap to strengthen sports infrastructures. We are requesting big corporate houses to help traditional sports grow through their CSR funds and 

adopt a few games so that players can be developed in the proper way.

“The Central Government is also planning to start district sports schools in every state and for that the government has asked all the States to draw an outline,” she informed.

STRAIGHT BAT

Khadse’s ‘no’ to including cricket in KITG

Even though cricket is the most popular sport in the country, State Sports Minister Raksha Khadse straightway refused to promote the sport through Khelo India Tribal Games.

Not demeaning the sport, Khadse said that the promotion and sponsorship cricket is getting is sufficient and the government is promoting the lesser known sports.

“Cricket is being run quite well by the BCCI. The associations and various clubs in the country are promoting the game beautifully. There is a beeline to sponsor cricket in our country. Our focus is only on Olympic sport and traditional sports. We want to take these sports forward and the Sports Ministry is working on it. Cricket is part of our ministry but you can see that cricket is a developed sport and there is a culture of that sport in India. But other sports are not being backed by sponsors. So we are trying to promote other sports so that their viewership reaches the level at which cricket is,” Khadse explained.

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DOUBLE DELIGHT

Odisha men, women are hockey champs

By Paritosh Pramanik

RAIPUR, Apr 1

ODISHA men and women scripted history by winning the maiden Khelo India Tribal Games’ hockey titles on Wednesday. The women edged past Mizoram by a solitary goal in the evening while the men defeated Jharkhand 4-1 in a high-intensity match which was delayed by floodlight glitch at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur.

In the women’s encounter, Ajmina Kujur (39th) scored the match winning goal while in the men’s category, Abhishek Lakra (20th), Amit Kumar Toppo (21st), Akash Sorong (37th) and Satish Munda (60th) scored for the winners. Jaymasih Tuti scored for Jharkhand in the 15th minute.

Odisha men showed their intent right from the start and kept the ball possession. However, it was Jharkhand who took the lead at the stroke of first quarter with a clever goal from Tuti. Tuti scooped the ball over an advancing Odisha keeper Dilip Kumar Sa to put his side ahead.

But that was the only time when Jharkhand celebrated. Odisha changed the gears and combined brilliantly to breach Jharkhand defence time and again to lay their hands on the coveted title. In the women’s final, Odisha eves showed great temperament to pip Mizoram.

Till the third quarter, the match was in balance with both the teams holding their fort.

However, it was the last quarter which produced the winner. Ajmina stunned Mizoram with a fine slap shot into the board off a penalty corner in the 39th minute. Mizoram gave their all in the final minutes but Odisha held their nerves to claim the gold medal.

Talawar, Nagini bag golds to extend Karnataka’s lead 

RACE walker Dasharath Talawar and middle-distance runner Nagini added a gold medal each to table toppers Karnataka’s tally while Chhattisgarh’s Gajendra Thakur bagged a silver in the men’s 800m.

Dasharath led Karnataka’s 1-2 in the men’s 10km race walk with a time of 45:13.85s with Darshan Bagadi (46:25.90s) finishing second ahead of Gujarat’s Sagarbhai Katara (48:16.09s) at the Kreeda Parisar athletics track in Jagdalpur. Nagini then dominated the women’s 800m race to clinch the gold with a time of 2:13.80s to take Karnataka’s gold medal tally to 21.  Karnataka has also bagged eight silver and seven bronze for an aggregate of 36 medals. Chattisgarh’s Gajendra Thakur claimed the men’s 800m silver medal with a timing of 1:53.82s behind Munda, who clocked 1:53.33s. 

Chhattisgarh men’s hockey team clinched the bronze medal by beating neighbouring Madhya Pradesh 14-6.

 The two medals took their tally to two gold, eight silver and five bronze and are placed 10th in the overall standings.

With just one day of track and field competitions left, second-placed Odisha continued to chase the table toppers with four gold on Wednesday to take their overall tally to 17 gold, 10 silver and 16 bronze medals.

Jharkhand now have a total of 19 medals -- nine gold, three silver and 7  bronze medals.

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Milkman Hamam delivers gold

Special Correspondent

RAIPUR, Apr 1

IT TOOK 14 long years to see the yellow metal dangle around his neck. During those painful years, Jammu and Kashmir’s Hamam Hussain had to move door to door to deliver milk. When not practicing, Hamam had to help his brother in the daily chores to support his family.

On Wednesday, the 28-year-old wrestler from Jorawar village in Jammu lifted the men’s 79kg freestyle gold by defeating Himachal Pradesh’s Mohit Kumar.

Wrestling was the most loved sport in Hussain family. Hamam’s brother was also a wrestler who participated till the State-level meets. But after their father’s demise the families responsibility fell on the elder Hussain’s shoulder and he decided to quit the sport.

“He motivated me to continue wrestling and took me to dangals around J&K,” Hussain said.

“The buffaloes our father left behind became our only source of livelihood. Once I stepped into the mud akhada, I was fascinated with the sport,” said Hamam.

Hamam has to walk 20 km away from his village for training mud akhada and travels around 40 km to Jammu for mat practice.

“The Sports Authority of India centre is in Jammu and we live in a lower region, so it is quite far for us. It is difficult to go there regularly for practice. We usually go only when competitions are there; otherwise, we train in mud akhadas.

Without any personal coach, Hamam has delivered handsomely in Raipur.

“I don’t have a personal coach. Senior wrestlers in the akhada guide us. We get coaches when we train on mats. In villages, we don’t get the kind of facilities that wrestlers in cities have. If we get better facilities, wrestlers from our region can win more medals at national and international levels,” he said.

For Hamam, this gold is more than just a medal and he is a contended man. “It feels great to be here. The facilities provided were very good. We come from a backward area where there is not much support for wrestling, so we have to travel long in train. This is the first time such a competition has been organised for us, and if more such events are held, we can win more medals,” he concluded.

 with a hope that he will see more such medals dangling around his neck.