AI Generated Summary
- For 18-year-old wrestler Munish, every medal is more than a personal achievement—it is a tribute to the unwavering faith of his family, especially his elder sister, whose encouragement first steered him towards the wrestling mat.
- A two-time state gold medallist, Munish is now focused on climbing higher in the sport, with his ultimate ambition firmly fixed on representing India at the Olympics.
- The young athlete from Shiv Nagar has emerged as one of Punjab’s promising wrestling talents after securing a silver medal at the National School Games in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, last year.
Jalandhar: For 18-year-old wrestler Munish, every medal is more than a personal achievement—it is a tribute to the unwavering faith of his family, especially his elder sister, whose encouragement first steered him towards the wrestling mat.
The young athlete from Shiv Nagar has emerged as one of Punjab’s promising wrestling talents after securing a silver medal at the National School Games in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, last year. A two-time state gold medallist, Munish is now focused on climbing higher in the sport, with his ultimate ambition firmly fixed on representing India at the Olympics.
Currently undergoing intensive training at a wrestling camp in Haryana ahead of the Junior Wrestling Ranking Series for Under-20 athletes, Munish says his journey has been shaped by constant support from his loved ones.
“My sister was the first person who believed I could succeed in wrestling,” he says. “My parents and coaches have also stood by me at every stage. Their encouragement keeps me motivated.”
Interestingly, Munish’s introduction to competitive sports came through his sister Preeti, a Taekwondo player who recognised his athletic potential at a young age. It was her suggestion that led him to choose wrestling, a decision that would eventually shape his future.
Today, Preeti serves as a physical education teacher at a leading private school in Phagwara, but despite her professional commitments, she continues to be one of her brother’s strongest supporters.
Munish began wrestling in 2020 while studying in Class 7. Drawn by the individual nature of the sport, he found a sense of confidence and self-belief on the mat.
“Wrestling made me feel fearless,” he recalls. “It gave me the confidence to challenge myself and compete against anyone.”
He credits his early development to school coach Bhim Singh, while current coach Raghvendra Singh has played a key role in refining his skills and preparing him for higher-level competition.
Fresh out of the School of Eminence, Maqsudan, where he recently completed Class 12, Munish balances his academic aspirations with an uncompromising commitment to sport. Although he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, wrestling remains his top priority.
His determination is evident in the way he views success. Despite winning a national silver medal, he chose not to celebrate the achievement.
“I’ll celebrate when I win gold,” he says with a smile.
The mindset reflects the ambition that drives him every day. When he returned home with the silver medal, his sister offered words that continue to inspire him: “The gold will come next time.”
As he prepares for the upcoming Junior Wrestling Ranking Series in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, Munish remains focused on the next challenge. For the young wrestler, the journey is far from over. Every training session, every competition and every medal brings him one step closer to the dream he has nurtured for years—wearing the Indian colours on the Olympic stage.
