Tokyo 2020 silver medal not Ravi Kumar Dahiya's, but entire India's, says father Rakesh
Dahiya became the only second Indian wrestler after Sushil Kumar to clinch a silver medal at the Olympics.
Rakesh Kumar Dahiya's sacrifices and relentless effort were paid off as his son Ravi stood on the podium at Tokyo 2020 on Thursday. The 23-year-old took home India's second silver medal in wrestling from the Olympics after losing to two-time World champion Zaur Uguev of ROC.
And nearly 5,900 kms away from Tokyo in the village of Nahri in Haryana, his father rejoiced at the remarkable achievement, which came after persistent hard work and determination.
"We are really happy. He has made all of us extremely proud. Ravi is the son of the soil," his father, Rakesh Kumar Dahiya told Olympics.com.
"It is not his medal, it is the entire country's medal".
His father went down the memory lane to recall Ravi's childhood, where he would avoid getting involved in unnecessary conversations and remained focused on his training.
Ravi, incidentally, trained under the same coach as double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar -- Mahabali Satpal Singh -- who has been credited to produce some of the finest Indian wrestlers.
"Ravi was a simple kid in his childhood and he is still the same. He is always disciplined. He will not get involved in any nonsense. He would not go anywhere to play but started training under Mahabali Satpal Singh ji and from there went on to Chhatrasal stadium," his father revealed.
His coach had also advised him to remain focused on training for Tokyo 2020 by staying away from his phone after the Poland Open in June 2021.
"He (Ravi Kumar Dahiya) did call once or twice (occasionally) in these few months. Mahabali Satpal Singh ji had asked him to stay away from the phone. He is the one who has made Ravi what he is today," Rakesh said.
But Nahri, now, awaits the return of their hero. The entire village gathered together on Thursday to celebrate the success of Ravi, who is one of their own and brought hard-earned pride to their land.
"The entire village (Nahri) was in a good mood and we gathered together. Ravi (Kumar Dahiya) fought his bout really well. He was going for the counter-attack. His opponent was a really strong wrestler.
"We gave ladoos to the entire village and thandai (an Indian drink) were made. Jalebis and barfi (Indian desserts) are being made to rejoice over his win in the village," he added.
However, his father is not completely satisfied with the silver medal at Tokyo 2020, as he believes that Ravi can do better at Paris 2024.