From a Village Akhada to Six Asian Titles: Sunil Kumar Wants One More Gold at the Asian Games

For Sunil Kumar, wrestling began far away from the biggest arenas of international sport. 

The Greco-Roman wrestler, who competes in the 87kg category, started his journey in his village akhada, initially pursuing the sport simply because he enjoyed it. Over time, however, that personal interest developed into a larger ambition to represent India and win for the country. That motivation has remained central to Sunil's career and now drives him as he prepares for another Asian Games campaign.

The six-time Asian champion enters the competition as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in India's contingent. He already has an Asian Games bronze medal from the 19th edition, but this time his target is clear: moving to the top step of the podium.

"I started wrestling in my village, and in the beginning, it was just something I enjoyed doing. But as I grew and started competing, I began to think that I wanted to do something for my country, not just for myself. That thought has stayed with me ever since, and it is what pushes me even today," Sunil said.

The Indian wrestler has left little doubt about what he wants from his upcoming campaign. His preparations have been focused around one objective — winning gold. As part of that preparation, the Indian wrestling team recently trained at a camp in Uzbekistan, giving the athletes an opportunity to work alongside some of the strongest wrestlers in the region. The camp also featured wrestlers who won gold medals at the 2022 Asian Games.

For Sunil, training alongside competitors of that calibre was an important part of the build-up.

"My full focus right now is on winning a gold medal for the country at the Asian Games. Everything I am doing is working towards that one goal. We recently had a training camp in Uzbekistan, and it went very well. The Uzbek wrestlers are very good, and there were a few gold medalists from 2022 training there as well. Training alongside wrestlers of that level pushed all of us to get better," he said.

The experience provided both high-level preparation and an opportunity to test himself against athletes accustomed to competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Sunil's journey has not been without setbacks. He underwent knee surgery last year, adding another demanding chapter to a career that has already included the physical challenges associated with elite wrestling. The wrestler admits that the possibility of injury is something competitors can never completely ignore. However, he believes dealing with that fear is part of what separates athletes competing at the highest level.

"I had knee surgery last year, so I know what it feels like to go through an injury. The fear of injury is always there at the back of your mind, no wrestler can say that they don't feel it. But if injuries were not a part of this sport, then anyone would have been able to do what we do. Everyone carries a little bit of that fear, it is just part of playing this sport at this level," he said.

His recovery was supported by the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), which played an important role in his rehabilitation. Sunil credits the institute for providing him with access to the facilities and support necessary to return to competition.

"After my knee surgery, IIS supported me a lot through my rehab. They gave me access to a really good gym and made sure I had everything I needed to recover properly. Because of that support, my comeback went well, and honestly, once I came back from rehabilitation, my body actually felt stronger than it did before the injury," he said.

While the Asian Games are the immediate priority, Sunil is already thinking beyond the competition in 2026. The next major phase of his career will begin in 2027, when Olympic qualification events get underway. With the Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, the coming years could prove decisive in determining the next chapter of his international career.

"Once the Asian Games are done, my preparation for the Olympics will begin properly from 2027, when the qualification events start. That will be the next big target for me," Sunil said.

For now, though, there is no room for distraction. The Asian Games remain the immediate objective, and Sunil is determined to turn his previous bronze into gold. His journey from a village akhada to becoming a six-time Asian champion has already been remarkable. Yet for the 87kg wrestler, the past is motivation rather than a destination. He wants another opportunity to stand on an Asian Games podium — and this time, he wants the gold medal.

The support of those who have followed his journey remains an important source of strength.

"Unka aashirwad saath rahega toh main unki ummeedon pe khara utrunga. At the end of the day, I just want the blessings of the people who have supported me. If they are with me, I know I will be able to do well. There is one thing I keep telling myself, no matter what, I have to win a medal. That is the only thought in my head right now," Sunil said.

From the village akhada where his wrestling journey began to the biggest stages in Asia, Sunil Kumar has already built a decorated career. Now, he is chasing the one achievement that remains at the centre of his thoughts: an Asian Games gold medal for India.