Lately, a teenager named Suraj Vashist became the first Indian since 1990 to win a Greco-Roman U17 World Championship gold medal.
The last Indian to have won gold at the event was when Pappu Yadav claimed the title some 32 years back. There have been five different Indian grapplers who have reached the U17 World Championships final, but now we have finally managed to claim gold owing to Vashist's efforts. Yadav's effort in 1992 at the Junior Worlds was the last GR Worlds gold medal for India at any level. Hence, now it has been 30 years for India to etch her footprints in history.
The 16-year-old came up with a commanding 11-0 win over European Champion Faraim Mustafayev of Azerbaijan in the 55kg weight class. Vashist attacking with intent scored victories at the onset of the match causing the referee to give him a point after adjudging the Azerbaijan passive towards the end of the first half.
Early in the second half, Suraj managed a takedown to extend his lead to 3-0 and then came up with two impressive four-point throws to take the match away from Mustafayev. Such command in his matches through a minor change towards the end of the tournament.
He has become the first Indian to become the Greco-Roman world champion in the U17 age group since Pappu Yadav who had reached the feat in 1990. This is the country's fourth medal in junior age categories.
Vashist has a dream to become the best in my weight class. Obviously, a senior world title is a dream as well. His coach has also appraised the talents of Vashist. Vashist a teenager again sets an example for the future youth of the country. He again testifies to the common saying, 'Practice makes a man perfect.'
He is also an inspiration for all to aspire high to reach high. Reaching the helm may seem tough but that doesn't mean that it is impossible. In the words of Marcus Aurelius,
'Do you think what is hard for you is humanly impossible, and if it is humanly possible, consider it within your reach.'
Suraj Vashist has really raised the head of India in the air of pride. The support of the country together with the Almighty shall keep him driving for many more feats.
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