/images/ppid_59c68470-image-176422002964546554.webp)
Wrestler Nishu, training at SAI Hisar, aims for Asian Games selection after clinching gold in the 53kg category at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) in Bharatpur. This 23-year-old athlete, despite having no wrestling lineage, has already represented India, securing a bronze at the Under-23 World Championships.
Nishu's recent victory in Bharatpur is a significant achievement. She triumphed over Samruddhi Sandip Ghorpade at Lohagarh Stadium with remarkable ease. In the 2023 KIUG, she won bronze in Varanasi, and now she has upgraded to gold.
"For me every competition is important. You learn wherever you choose to play. Very happy to win this gold, now I have ticked this box," she expressed post-victory.
Calmness Amidst Achievements
Her serene demeanour often surprises many.
At 23, Nishu's calmness contrasts with the carefree attitude typical of her age. This tranquillity might be rooted in personal grief, as she lost her older brother to a brain tumour years ago. Such events often cast a lasting shadow, shaping one's outlook on life.
Nishu's journey in wrestling is marked by significant milestones. Earlier this year, she earned a bronze in the Under-23 World Championships in Serbia. Although she didn't secure a medal in a senior event in Croatia, her performance was commendable. Her statement, "every competition is important," underscores her grounded and learning-focused approach.
Supportive Family
Unlike many athletes from Haryana, Nishu's family doesn't have a farming background. Her father, a driver, and her mother have always supported her ambitions. "My father and mother have always treated me as a son. They have been very supportive. Frankly speaking, I wouldn't be here without their support. Whenever I needed money or other help, I don't think they ever said no," Nishu remarked.
Her achievements extend beyond KIUG. She has also claimed gold in the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG). Her family's unwavering support has been a pillar of strength in her journey, enabling her to pursue wrestling despite financial constraints.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Nishu aims to compete in the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. To achieve this, she must first qualify for the National Camp through her performances in the Senior Nationals and Federation Cup. Despite her lack of family history in wrestling, her dedication and progress have been remarkable.
Nishu's story is one of perseverance and determination. From a small town in Jind to national and international wrestling arenas, she has already covered a significant distance. Her journey indicates that she is poised to achieve even greater success in the future.
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-17642250718485649.webp)
