In a captivating episode of the House of Glory podcast, we sit down with Olympic silver medalist and Asian champion, Ravi Kumar Dahiya. The interview offers a deep dive into the wrestler’s journey, his unwavering spirit, and the immense sacrifices that paved his way to the Olympic podium.
The Roots of a Champion
Dahiya’s story begins in Nahri, his village in Haryana, a place synonymous with wrestling and the birthplace of several Olympic athletes. He openly admits to not being a good student, a fact that made him happy to trade schoolwork for the wrestling arena. He started his training in his village’s traditional mud wrestling grounds under his guru, Hansraj ji, with the full support of his father, a dedicated wrestling enthusiast. At just 10 years old, he made the pivotal move to the renowned Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi.
A Journey Marked by Sacrifice and Resilience
The road to the Olympics was far from easy. Dahiya’s father exemplified immense sacrifice, traveling a significant distance every day to ensure his son had fresh, nutritious food like curd and milk. This dedication, combined with Dahiya’s own perseverance, helped him overcome a period of struggle between 2015 and 2017, when a series of injuries and illnesses left him questioning his future in the sport. The turning point arrived in 2019 when he won a medal at the World Championships, securing his spot in the Tokyo Olympics.
The Olympic Mindset
One of the most compelling parts of the interview is Dahiya’s account of his Tokyo Olympic semifinal, where he was trailing 2-9 with less than a minute left. Instead of giving up, he chose to “give it his all” and ultimately triumphed. He also shares a striking detail about his opponent biting his hand during the match, an incident he chose to ignore to maintain focus for the final. Dahiya credits his success to his parents’ sacrifices, his coaches, and the support of a motivational coach who taught him to focus on being a good person and maintaining a positive attitude. He practices meditation to stay calm and grounded, and believes that while talent is important, success is also a matter of divine grace.
This podcast episode is a powerful testament to the grit, sacrifice, and mental strength required to succeed in elite sports. Ravi Kumar Dahiya’s story is an inspiration, highlighting that true champions are forged not just in the arena, but also through an unwavering spirit and a strong support system.
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