Shaped at Chhatrasal, inspired by stars - Tokyo 2020 medal hard-earned reward for Ravi Kumar Dahiya
Tokyo silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya is a product of the famous Chhatrasal Stadium in New Delhi
Shaped by the spiritual home of wrestlers in India, the Chhatrasal akhada (local wrestling pits in India), Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya had plenty of inspiration when he was coming up in the sport.
And they played a key role in him becoming only the second Indian wrestler ever to win a silver medal at the Olympics.
His childhood coach and Dronacharya awardee Satpal Singh, the force behind star wrestlers including Yogeshwar Dutt, not only perfected his technique but also instilled a winning mentality in him.
"I was a small kid when I met my guru (Mahabali Satpal Singh). I was a raw talent then at around 11-12 years old. I used to watch everyone train (and was inspired)," Dahiya told Olympics.com.
"My coach used to tell me that 'they have won Olympic medal', I also had it in mind to do something similar," he added.
Chhatrasal stadium in New Delhi has been a home for numerous big names like Yogeshwar Dutt and Bajrang Punia (who also won a medal at Tokyo 2020). Ravi Kumar has learnt a lot from all of their careers.
"They have really inspired me a lot. Despite so many injuries and competition, they achieved great heights in wrestling and brought medals for the country in various competitions," he added.
The 23-year-old Dahiya might not have been a big name going into Tokyo 2020 but those in the know thought different. He was regarded as the most complete wrestler in the Indian contingent at Tokyo by Olympians Ashok Kumar Garg and Rohtas Singh Dahiya. But the Nahri-wrestler is not one to be carried away by such compliments and wants to continue improving.
"I think as a wrestler, till the time we play, we should keep learning. I think there are specific areas where I need to work on and improve. The aim is to keep learning throughout my career,"
And with an Olympic silver medal already in the bag, he wants to go one better at Paris 2024.
"The (final) bout (at Tokyo 2020) is over now. But I will try now to do better at the next Olympics. After winning silver, there is just one thing left, I will try and convert it into gold in my next Olympics," he stated.