In a small village in Haryana, a young wrestler has risen to become India’s latest pride on the global wrestling stage. Chirag Chikara, the new world champion, has brought home a gold medal in the Under-23 World Wrestling Championship held in Tirana, Albania, after an intense 4-3 victory against Kyrgyzstan’s Abdymik Karachov. But behind this celebrated moment lies an incredible journey of resilience, family support, and hard work.
Early Days in Sonipat’s Akhara
Chirag was born in Juan, a humble village in Sonipat, Haryana. He was introduced to wrestling not as a pursuit of glory but rather to improve his health. At age 11, noticing Chirag’s increasing weight, his family encouraged him to join a local akhara, a traditional wrestling academy. His father, Dinesh Chikara, an electrician, and his uncle Virendra didn’t see this as following a family tradition, as no one in their family had pursued wrestling before.
Initially, Chirag wasn’t drawn to wrestling, and it took time for him to feel comfortable. But soon, the akhara became like a second home, and he found friendship and motivation among his fellow wrestlers. What started as a fitness regimen soon turned into a passion for wrestling, as Chirag’s dedication grew and he began dreaming of representing India on an international level.
Family Sacrifices: Grandfather’s Support
Success in wrestling requires a robust diet and proper training, which can be expensive, and Chirag’s family faced financial challenges. Despite this, they provided unwavering support. His grandfather, Dayanand Chikara, a retired teacher, played a crucial role, using his pension to cover Chirag’s diet and training costs. This extraordinary sacrifice kept Chirag’s dream alive, and the family’s support became the backbone of his journey to becoming a world champion.
Training with Coach Kuldeep Singh
After honing his initial skills in his village, Chirag began training with coach Kuldeep Singh at the Indian Navy’s Raipur Akhara in Sonipat. Here, he received the training and resources needed to refine his abilities. Under Kuldeep Singh’s guidance, Chirag improved his defense and stamina, which were essential in his journey to the world championship. With rigorous training, he developed into a formidable wrestler, competing among the best young talents in the world.
A New Milestone for Indian Wrestling
Chirag’s win at the Under-23 World Championship makes him the third Indian wrestler to claim a world champion title, following the success of Aman Sehrawat and Ritika Hooda. His victory highlights the potential of rural athletes in India who, with dedication and the right support, can achieve global success.
Chirag Chikara’s journey stands as a testament to what family support and determination can achieve. His story inspires aspiring athletes across the country, proving that even from small villages, world champions can emerge.
