Hubbry Logo
Sushil KumarSushil KumarMain
Open search
Sushil Kumar
Community hub
Sushil Kumar
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Sushil Kumar
Sushil Kumar
Sushil Kumar
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Sushil Kumar
Kumar in 2014
Personal information
Born (1983-05-26) 26 May 1983 (age 42)[1]
Delhi, India
Education
Alma materNoida College of Physical Education
OccupationSenior Commercial Manager
EmployerIndian Railways
Height1.66 m (5 ft 5 in)[2]
Criminal information
Convictions
Date apprehended
23 May 2021
Sport
SportWrestling
Event
Freestyle
Coached bySatpal Singh
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing  India
Event 1st 2nd 3rd
Olympic Games - 1 1
World Championships 1 - -
Asian Games - - 1
Asian Championships 1 1 2
Commonwealth Games 3 - -
Commonwealth Championships 5 - -
Total 10 2 4
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 2012 London 66kg
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Beijing 66kg
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2010 Moscow 66kg
Asian Games
Bronze medal – third place 2006 Doha 66kg
Asian Championships
Gold medal – first place 2010 New Delhi 66kg
Silver medal – second place 2007 Bishkek 66kg
Bronze medal – third place 2003 New Delhi 60kg
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Jeju 66kg
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 2010 Delhi 66kg
Gold medal – first place 2014 Glasgow 74kg
Gold medal – first place 2018 Gold Coast 74kg
Commonwealth Championships
Gold medal – first place 2003 London[3] 60kg
Gold medal – first place 2005 Stellenbosch[4] 66kg
Gold medal – first place 2007 London[5] 66kg
Gold medal – first place 2009 Jalandhar[6] 66kg
Gold medal – first place 2017 Johannesburg[7] 74kg

Sushil Kumar (born 26 May 1983) is a former Indian freestyle wrestler. He is a two-time Olympic medallist who won a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, India's first wrestling medal since K. D. Jadhav in 1952, and a silver at the 2012 London Olympics.[8][9] He is the first and only Indian to win a gold medal at the World Wrestling Championships.[10] Kumar participated in the Queen’s Baton Relay at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and was India’s flag bearer at the 2012 London Olympics. He was conferred the Arjuna Award in 2005, Khel Ratna in 2009 and the Padma Shri in 2011.[11][12]

Career

[edit]
Kumar at 2008 Summer Olympics

Kumar started training in pehlwani at the Chhatrasal Stadium's akhada at the age of 14. He was trained at the akhada by Yashvir and Ramphal, later by Arjuna awardee Satpal and then at the Indian Railways camp by Gyan Singh and Rajkumar Baisla Gurjar.[13][14]

After switching to freestyle wrestling Kumar's first success came at the World Cadet Games in 1998 where he won the gold medal in his weight category, followed by a gold at the Asian Junior Wrestling Championship in 2000. Moving out of the junior competitions, in 2003 Kumar won the bronze medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships and a gold at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships. Kumar placed fourth at the 2003 World Championships, but this went largely unnoticed by the Indian media as he fared badly in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, placing 14th in the 60 kg weight class. He won gold medals at the Commonwealth wrestling Championships in 2005 and 2007. He placed seventh in the 2007 World Championships and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, becoming the first person to win two Olympic medals for independent India.[15] Kumar was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2006 and a coveted Padma Shree by the Indian Government in 2011.[16]

2008 Beijing Olympics

[edit]

Kumar lost to Andriy Stadnik in the first round of the 66 kg freestyle wrestling event,[17] leaving his medal hopes hinging on the repechage. He defeated Doug Schwab in the first repechage round and Albert Batyrov in the second round. In the bronze medal match on 20 August 2008, Kumar beat Leonid Spiridonov 3:1.[18] Kumar disclosed that he had no masseur during the three bouts he won within a span of 70 minutes to take the bronze. The team manager Kartar Singh who is a former Asian Games medallist acted as the masseur for him between the bouts.[19]

2010 World Wrestling Championships, Moscow

[edit]

At the 2010 World Wrestling Championships Kumar became the first Indian to win a world title in wrestling. He beat the local favourite Alan Gogaev of Russia 3–1 in the finals in the 66 kg category.[20]

2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi

[edit]

Kumar won gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi on 10 October 2010. He beat Heinrich Barnes 7–0 in the finals in the 66 kg freestyle wrestling category. The bout was stopped by the referee in the second round. Earlier, in the semifinals, Kumar defeated Famara Jarjou 3–0 within 9 seconds. In the quarterfinals, Kumar defeated Pakistani opponent Muhammad Salman 10–0 in 46 seconds.[21]

2012 London Olympics

[edit]
Kumar (left) at the 2012 Olympics

Kumar won a silver medal after losing the final to Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu.[9] Earlier, he had entered the final amid some controversy by beating Kazakhastan's Akzhurek Tanatarov in the semifinal. The Kazakh athlete claimed Kumar had bitten his ear, which was denied by the latter.[22] Kumar was the Olympic flag bearer for India at the opening ceremony.[23] This win made him the first Indian to win 2 individual Olympic medals since India's independence.[24][25]

2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow

[edit]

Kumar defeated Qamar Abbas in the 74 kg final to win the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. He won in 107 seconds by fall.

2018 Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast, Australia

[edit]

Kumar won gold in 74 kg category on 12 April 2018, Thursday, beating South Africa’s Johannes Botha[26] in the final that lasted 80 seconds thus achieving a feat of winning 3 gold medals in 3 consecutive Commonwealth Games.

International competition

[edit]

Summer Olympics

[edit]
Year Competition Venue Event Rank opponent Score Repechage opponent Score
2012 2012 Olympic Games London 66 kg 2nd place, silver medalist(s)  Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu (JPN) Loss
2008 2008 Olympic Games Beijing 66 kg 3rd place, bronze medalist(s)  Andriy Stadnik (UKR) Loss  Leonid Spiridonov (KAZ) Win
2004 2004 Olympic Games Athens 60 kg 14th  Yandro Quintana (CUB) Loss

World Championship

[edit]
Year Competition Venue Event Rank opponent Score Repechage Score
2019 2019 World Wrestling Championships Nur-Sultan 74 kg 20th  Khadzhimurad Gadzhiyev (AZE) Loss
2011 2011 World Wrestling Championships Istanbul 66 kg 14th  Andriy Stadnik (UKR) Loss
2010 2010 World Wrestling Championships Moscow 66 kg 1st place, gold medalist(s)  Alan Gogaev (RUS) Win
2009 2009 World Wrestling Championships Herning 66 kg 5th  Rasul Dzhukayev (RUS) Loss  Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu (JPN) Loss
2007 2007 World Wrestling Championships Baku 66 kg 7th  Andriy Stadnik (UKR) Loss
2006 2006 World Wrestling Championships Guangzhou 66 kg 13th  Elman Asgarov (AZE) Loss
2003 2003 World Wrestling Championships New York City 60 kg 4th  Arif Abdullayev (AZE) Loss

Personal life

[edit]

Kumar was born in a Jat family in Baprola village,[27][28] near Najafgarh in South West Delhi. His father, Diwan Singh,[29] was a driver in MTNL Delhi, while his mother, Kamla Devi, is a housewife.

Kumar was inspired to take up wrestling by his father, himself a wrestler, and his cousin Sandeep Solanki. Sandeep later stopped competing as the family could only support one wrestler. Kumar trained in pehlwani wrestling at the akhada (wrestling school) in the Chhatrasal Stadium from the age of 14. With minimal funds and poor training facilities for wrestling in India, even for the 2008 Olympic team, his family made sure he obtained the necessary dietary supplements by sending him tinned milk, ghee and fresh vegetables.[30][31] He is a devoted Hindu and a strict vegetarian.[32][33]

He completed his Graduation (B.P.E.) and Post-Graduation (M.P.E.) from the Noida College of Physical Education, Dadri. Kumar is presently employed with the Northern Railways as a Senior Commercial Manager.[13][34][35][36]

Commercial endorsements and media

[edit]

"I didn’t want to be associated with a liquor brand in any form as it would send a wrong signal to the youth. The sporting tradition that I have been raised in values discipline way above money."

– Sushil Kumar explaining reason for refusing a liquor ad.[37]

Kumar endorses brands such as Mountain Dew, Eicher tractors, and the National Egg Coordination Committee which earns him ₹10 million (US$120,000) annually. He refused the offer of ₹5 million (US$59,000) to appear in a surrogate ad for a leading liquor brand.[37]

He appeared in the Indian documentary film Carve Your Destiny by Anubhav Srivastava.[38] Kumar also served as a judge on MTV India's reality television series MTV Roadies.[39] Other media appearances include in The Kapil Sharma Show and Comedy Nights with Kapil.[40]

Awards, rewards and recognition

[edit]
For the bronze medal at 2008 Beijing Olympics
For the gold medal at 2010 World Wrestling Championships
  • ₹1 million (US$12,000) cash award from Indian Railways (his employer) & out-of-turn promotion from his current position of Asst. Commercial Manager.
  • ₹1 million (US$12,000) cash award from Sports Authority of India (Government of India).
  • ₹1 million (US$12,000) cash award from the Delhi Government.
For the silver medal at 2012 London Olympics
  • ₹20 million (US$240,000) cash reward from the Delhi Government.
  • ₹15 million (US$180,000) cash reward from the Haryana Government.
  • ₹7.5 million (US$89,000) cash reward from the Indian Railways.
  • Land in Sonipat for a Wrestling academy by the Haryana Government.
  • ₹1 million (US$12,000) cash award from ONGC.[42]

Criminal case and Controversies

[edit]

The Delhi Police arrested Sushil Kumar in connection with the murder of former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankhar during a brawl in the Chhatrasal Stadium on 4 May 2021.[43][44][45] After arresting Kumar, Delhi Police presented him at the Rohini District Court where he was placed in a six-day remand.[46][47] In October 2021, a judge ordered Kumar continue to be held without bail. The decision was reached after arguments from both sides, and a review of evidence from the prosecution, including a video taken by an alleged accomplice of a man purported to be Kumar engaged in the attack.[48] In March 2025, the Delhi High Court granted regular bail to Kumar, citing his prolonged incarceration and the absence of direct evidence linking him to the murder.[49] In July 2025, after being granted bail, Sushil Kumar officially resumed duty with Northern Railway, where he is currently serving as Senior Commercial Manager.[50] On 13 August 2025, the Supreme Court of India cancelled Kumar’s bail over concerns of witness intimidation and trial interference, directing him to surrender within a week.[51]

Key Information

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sushil Kumar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Sushil Kumar Solanki (born 26 May 1983) is a former Indian freestyle wrestler who competed primarily in the 66 kg weight class before moving to 74 kg later in his career. He is renowned as the first Indian athlete to secure two individual Olympic medals, earning a bronze in the men's 66 kg freestyle event at the 2008 Summer Olympics—India's first wrestling medal since 1952—and a silver in the same category at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Kumar further distinguished himself by winning gold medals at three consecutive (2010, 2014, and 2018), becoming the first Indian wrestler to achieve this feat and solidifying his status as one of India's most accomplished grapplers. Despite his sporting accolades, Kumar's legacy includes significant legal troubles; in May 2021, he was arrested in connection with the fatal assault on junior wrestler Sagar Dhankhar at Delhi's , an incident stemming from a property dispute that escalated into violence involving Kumar and accomplices. He was formally charged with murder under provisions in October 2022, alongside 17 others, and although granted bail by the , India's revoked it in August 2025, citing risks of and flight. This case, which police linked to Kumar's alleged associations with criminal elements, effectively ended his competitive career and prompted scrutiny of his post-retirement conduct.

Early Life and Background

Upbringing and Family

Sushil Kumar was born on May 26, 1983, in Baprola village near in South West , into a Hindu Jat family of the Solanki with ancestral roots in . His parents, and Kamla Devi, raised him in a modest where worked as a driver for (MTNL), and Kamla Devi managed the home. The family lived in humble circumstances typical of rural outskirts, with limited resources but strong emphasis on discipline and physical activity. Kumar grew up alongside his brothers, Amarjeet Solanki and Manjeet Solanki, in an environment shaped by traditional Jat values of resilience and community. His father, , played a key role in introducing him to wrestling, drawing from family influences and local akharas (traditional wrestling pits), while a cousin named Sandeep further encouraged his early interest in the sport. Despite financial constraints, the family supported his training from a young age, prioritizing his potential in pehlwani-style wrestling over immediate economic needs. This upbringing instilled a rooted in rural and familial dedication, setting the foundation for his athletic pursuits.

Entry into Wrestling

Sushil Kumar was inspired to take up wrestling by his father, , a former practitioner of the sport, and his cousin Sandeep Solanki. At the age of 14, in approximately 1997, Kumar commenced formal training in , the traditional Indian form of wrestling conducted in earthen pits, at the akhada (wrestling gymnasium) situated in , . His early coaches included Yashvir Singh and Ramphal, who guided him through the rigorous routines of mud-pit bouts emphasizing strength, endurance, and technique fundamental to . This foundational phase at , a hub for aspiring wrestlers from modest backgrounds, involved daily sessions starting early in the morning, often incorporating running, , and akhada drills to build the physical conditioning required for competitive .

Wrestling Career

Pre-Olympic Achievements

Sushil Kumar debuted on the senior international stage in 2003, securing a in the 60 kg freestyle event at the in . Later that year, he won gold in the same weight class at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships. In 2005, Kumar claimed gold at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships held in , , competing in the 66 kg freestyle category. The following year, he earned a in the 66 kg freestyle division at the in , . At the in , , Kumar captured gold in the 60 kg freestyle event, marking India's first wrestling gold at the Games since 1998. Kumar continued his success in 2007 with another at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in , again in the 66 kg freestyle category. These consistent performances across regional and -level competitions established him as a leading contender in the 60-66 kg freestyle weight classes, culminating in his selection for India's Olympic team. In recognition of his early achievements, he was awarded the by the in 2005.

2008 Beijing Olympics

Sushil Kumar participated in the men's freestyle 66 kg wrestling event at the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China, from August 12 to 24. In the opening round on August 20, he faced Andriy Stadnik of Ukraine, losing the bout and entering the repechage bracket due to Stadnik advancing to the final. In round one, Kumar defeated Doug Schwab of the with period scores of 4–1, 0–1, and 3–2. He followed this with a victory over Albert Batyrov of in round two, securing wins in the first period (1–0) and third period (7–0) after losing the second (0–4). These triumphs positioned him for the match against Leonid Spiridonov of . The bronze medal bout unfolded in three periods: Kumar won the first 2–1, but the second ended 0–0 with Spiridonov prevailing on a clinch tie-breaker. In the decisive third period, also scoreless, Kumar executed a daring leg scissor maneuver during the clinch to secure the win, earning the on August 20, 2008. This achievement marked India's first Olympic wrestling medal since Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav's bronze in 1952 and the nation's second medal overall at 2008, following Bindra's shooting gold. The victory highlighted Kumar's resilience in a format where wrestlers eliminated by finalists compete for bronze via .

2010 Breakthrough

In 2010, Sushil Kumar dominated the 66 kg category, securing across major international competitions and establishing himself as India's premier wrestler. His campaign began with victory at the in , , in May, where he defeated South Korea's Kim Dae Sung in the final to claim the title. Kumar's most significant achievement came at the in , , on September 12, when he became the first Indian to win a at this event. Competing in the 66 kg freestyle division, he overcame a series of formidable opponents, culminating in a 3–1 victory over Russia's local favorite Alan Gogaev in the final, breaking historical barriers for Indian wrestling on the global stage. Concluding the year triumphantly at the in , , Kumar won gold in the 66 kg freestyle on October 10 by defeating South Africa's Heinrich Barnes 7–0 in the final, contributing to India's wrestling successes at the home event. These victories, achieved in quick succession, highlighted Kumar's technical prowess and endurance, with contemporaries noting his unbeatable form in the weight class during this period.

2012 London Olympics

Sushil Kumar participated in the men's 66 kg event at the , held on 12 August 2012 at the ExCeL exhibition centre in . Facing a challenging draw that included the defending Olympic champion in his opening bout, Kumar advanced through the bracket by defeating Ramazan Şahin of Turkey 3–1 in the round of 16. He then secured a 3–1 victory over Akzhurek Tanatarov of in the semifinal, earning a spot in the gold medal match. In the final, Kumar faced Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu of and lost by a score of 1–0 in the first period and 3–1 in the second, claiming the . This performance marked him as the first Indian wrestler to win an individual Olympic and the first Indian athlete to secure two individual Olympic medals, following his in 2008. Kumar's achievement highlighted his technical prowess and resilience, particularly in overcoming early deficits in key matches against top-seeded opponents.

2014-2018 Competitions

In 2014, Sushil Kumar won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 74 kg category at the in , , defeating Pakistan's Qamar Abbas by pinfall in 1 minute and 47 seconds during the final bout on July 29. He opted out of the in , , prioritizing recovery and preparation for the 2016 Olympics rather than competing in the event. Kumar did not secure major international medals in or at the during this period, focusing instead on domestic training and trials amid a shift to the 74 kg . In , his bid for a third Olympic appearance at the Rio Games was thwarted by a selection dispute; although he had sought a against quota qualifier in the 74 kg category, the dismissed his petition on June 6, upholding the Wrestling Federation of India's decision and barring him from the Olympics. From 2017 to early 2018, Kumar's international schedule remained limited, with emphasis on national championships where he dominated opponents via walkovers or quick victories, reflecting his status but also reduced competitive exposure. At the in Gold Coast, , he claimed his third consecutive gold in the men's freestyle 74 kg event on April 12, pinning South Africa's Johannes Botha in under two minutes to defeat him 11-0. However, at the in , , Kumar exited early, losing 3-5 to Bahrain's Adam Batirov in the 74 kg qualification round on August 19, ending his medal hopes.

Post-2018 Developments

Following his early exit from the 2018 Asian Games, where he lost his opening bout in the 74 kg category, Sushil Kumar expressed determination to extend his career, citing insufficient competitive exposure as a factor in his inconsistent performances. In September 2019, he acknowledged competing in only seven events between the 2012 London Olympics and the 2019 World Championships in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, and pledged to increase his match frequency to regain form for events like the Tokyo Olympics. However, he failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games after losing selection trials to younger wrestlers, marking the effective end of his international competitive phase. Kumar's post-competitive life took a dramatic turn in May 2021 amid a brawl at in , his longtime training venue. The altercation, reportedly triggered by a property dispute involving Dhankhar's family and Kumar's associates, involved Kumar and several accomplices allegedly assaulting 23-year-old junior national champion Sagar Dhankhar, who died from his injuries on May 5, 2021. charged Kumar with under Section 302 of the , along with and , based on eyewitness accounts and medical evidence indicating Dhankhar suffered severe head trauma and internal bleeding from the beating. Kumar evaded arrest for over two weeks before being apprehended on May 23, 2021, in . He was remanded to judicial custody on June 2, 2021, and suspended from his position as a deputy superintendent with . The imposed an indefinite suspension, halting any potential return to the mat. In March 2025, the granted him regular bail, citing prolonged detention without trial conclusion, but the revoked it on August 12, 2025, due to concerns over witness intimidation risks and the gravity of the charges. As of October 2025, the trial remains ongoing, with Kumar in custody, effectively concluding his public athletic pursuits.

Competition Record

Olympic Performances

Sushil Kumar made his Olympic debut at the 2004 Games in the men's freestyle 60 kg event, where he was eliminated in the first round after losing 3–7 to Andriy Istichenko of . At the 2008 Olympics, competing in the men's freestyle 66 kg category, Kumar advanced to the match following a quarterfinal loss to Ramazan Şahin of Turkey by a score of 5–8; he secured the in the by defeating Leonid Spiridonov of 8–4 on August 20, 2008, marking India's first wrestling medal since 1952. In the 2012 London Olympics, also in the men's freestyle 66 kg division, Kumar progressed through the bracket with victories including a 3–1 win over Ramazan Şahin in the quarterfinals and a 3–1 semifinal triumph over Akzhurek Tanatarov of , before losing the gold medal final to Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu of 1–3 on August 11, 2012, to claim silver and become the first Indian wrestler to win two Olympic medals. Kumar did not qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics amid selection disputes and did not participate in subsequent Games.
OlympicsEventResultKey Matches
2004 Freestyle 60 kgFirst round exitLost 3–7 to Andriy Istichenko (UKR)
2008 Freestyle 66 kg repechage: Def. Leonid Spiridonov (KAZ) 8–4; Quarterfinal loss to Ramazan Şahin (TUR) 5–8
2012 Freestyle 66 kgSilverFinal loss to Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu (JPN) 1–3; Semifinal def. Akzhurek Tanatarov (KAZ) 3–1; Quarterfinal def. Ramazan Şahin (TUR) 3–1

World Championships

Sushil Kumar secured India's first-ever at the in 2010, competing in the men's freestyle 66 kg category in , . On September 12, 2010, he defeated local favorite Alan Gogaev of 3-1 in the final, overcoming a challenging bout in front of a hostile crowd to clinch the title. This achievement highlighted Kumar's technical prowess and resilience, establishing him as a pioneer for Indian wrestling on the global stage. Kumar's path to the gold included dominant performances in earlier rounds, showcasing his defensive skills and strategic takedowns against international competitors. The victory not only elevated his personal legacy but also spurred increased investment and participation in wrestling across . In subsequent years, Kumar continued to compete at the World Championships, though without replicating the 2010 success. At the 2019 edition in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, he entered the 74 kg category but suffered an early exit, squandering a five-point lead to lose his opening-round match.

Commonwealth and Asian Games

Sushil Kumar secured gold medals in the men's freestyle wrestling at three consecutive Commonwealth Games, establishing himself as a dominant figure in the event. At the 2010 Delhi Games, he won gold in the 66 kg category by defeating Heinrich Barnes of South Africa 7–0 in the final on October 10. In 2014 at Glasgow, competing in the 74 kg division after a weight class shift, he claimed gold by overcoming Qais Ashfaq of Pakistan in the final. Kumar completed a hat-trick in 2018 at Gold Coast, defeating Johannes Botha of South Africa in the 74 kg final on April 12 to become the first Indian wrestler to win three Commonwealth Games golds. In contrast, Kumar's record featured only one medal: in the 66 kg freestyle category at the 2006 Doha edition, where he defeated Mohamed Al-Qubaisi of the in the bout. He withdrew from the 2010 Games due to injury and suffered a first-round defeat to Adam Batirov of in the 74 kg event at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games, ending his medal hopes.
YearGamesMedalCategory
2006Asian Games ()BronzeMen's freestyle 66 kg
2010Commonwealth Games ()GoldMen's freestyle 66 kg
2014Commonwealth Games ()GoldMen's freestyle 74 kg
2018Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast)GoldMen's freestyle 74 kg

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Sushil Kumar was born on May 26, 1983, in Sonepat, , to , a former wrestler and postal department employee who later worked as a driver for (MTNL), and Kamla Devi, a homemaker. His father introduced him to wrestling at age six, drawing from his own background in the , while his cousin Sandeep Solanki also influenced his early training before ceasing competition due to family financial constraints. Kumar has two younger brothers, Mandeep and Amarjeet, both of whom have pursued interests outside . Kumar married Savi Solanki, the eldest daughter of his coach and mentor —a Dronacharya Award-winning wrestler and recipient—on February 18, 2011, in a ceremony near Palla village, . The couple had gotten engaged in November 2010 following family discussions arranged by . Savi, a former national-level lawn tennis player with five gold medals and an MBA graduate, has worked as principal of Bright Ways in ; she met Kumar through her father's coaching connections. The marriage strengthened Kumar's ties to his training at , where serves as coach. Savi gave birth to the couple's twin sons in June 2016 at a hospital, marking a personal milestone amid Kumar's competitive career. The family has maintained a low public profile regarding personal matters, with Savi occasionally sharing updates on about their life together, including travels such as a 2019 trip to . No public records indicate additional children or separations as of 2025.

Residence and Lifestyle

Sushil Kumar maintains a residence in Baprola village, West , where he grew up and continues to have ties, including family property constructed in partnership. His home reflects modest rural origins in the area, with earlier reports noting an old family house amid his rise in wrestling. Kumar's lifestyle centers on rigorous physical discipline suited to elite , involving 8-9 hours of daily training to build , even outside competition peaks. His diet emphasizes high-calorie intake for sustained , including 3 kg of , a large bowl of white butter, and 300-400 grams of almonds daily, alongside proteins and carbohydrates totaling around 3,600 calories when in peak training. This regimen supports and recovery, with Kumar advising wrestlers on structured 45-day plans for cutting weight through consistent routines. Following the Supreme Court's cancellation of his on August 13, 2025, in the 2021 murder case, Kumar surrendered and returned to judicial custody, limiting his routine to in-cell exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, planks, and jogging in place for over two hours daily. This adaptation echoes his earlier detention periods, where he maintained fitness despite confinement.

Endorsements and Public Image

Commercial Deals

Following his bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver at the 2012 London Olympics, Sushil Kumar secured multiple endorsement contracts with consumer brands. He served as a for PepsiCo's , promoting the beverage in advertisements emphasizing energy and performance. Kumar also endorsed Eicher Tractors, highlighting the machinery's reliability for rural audiences, and Emami's Himani Fast Relief, a topical targeted at athletes for quick pain relief. Additionally, he promoted the (NECC), advocating egg consumption as a protein source for fitness and campaigns. In October 2012, Kumar entered a two-year brand ambassadorship with Ralson Tyres, aligning his image of resilience with the company's durable tire products for agricultural and commercial vehicles. Around 2015, he featured in promotional content for Patanjali Ayurved, a herbal products firm, appearing in ads for wellness and fitness items consistent with his athletic persona. These deals capitalized on his Olympic fame, with Kumar commanding endorsement fees of at least ₹50 lakh per campaign in 2012, potentially rising to ₹1 crore post-London success due to heightened market demand for medalists. Kumar demonstrated selectivity in partnerships by rejecting a ₹50 surrogate ad offer from a leading brand in 2012, reasoning that it conflicted with his values and could negatively influence young followers in wrestling, a discipline rooted in and from alcohol. His endorsements largely peaked between 2008 and 2016, reflecting sustained interest from brands in his dual status, though no significant new commercial deals have been documented in subsequent years amid shifting career and personal developments.

Media Appearances

Sushil Kumar has made several appearances on Indian television programs, primarily as a guest or judge, leveraging his Olympic achievements to engage audiences on sports, discipline, and personal stories. In September 2015, he appeared as a special guest on alongside cricketer , where discussions centered on his wrestling career and training regimen. Kumar served as a judge on the reality series MTV Roadies X4 during its 2015–2016 season, marking his debut in a judging role; he emphasized discipline and focus, often critiquing contestants for lacking these traits essential to athletic success. In October 2016, he guest-starred on MasterChef India Season 5, where he shared self-defense techniques with contestants and offered motivational advice drawn from his competitive experiences. In June 2017, Kumar featured on in the episode titled "Night of the Champions," joined by athletes and ; he demonstrated wrestling moves to the audience and recounted anecdotes from his Olympic journey. These appearances, concentrated in the mid-2010s, highlighted his transition from mat to screen, though his media engagements diminished following legal issues in 2021.

Awards and Honors

National and International Accolades

Sushil Kumar received the Arjuna Award in 2005 from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, for his early successes including gold medals at the 2003 and 2005 Asian Wrestling Championships. On August 29, 2009, he was presented the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award—India's highest sporting honour prior to its renaming—by President Pratibha Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan, sharing the distinction that year with boxer Vijender Singh and M.C. Mary Kom; Kumar was the first wrestler to receive it, following his bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In 2011, Kumar was awarded the , the fourth-highest civilian honour in , acknowledging his at the and overall impact on elevating Indian internationally. These national recognitions underscore his role as a pioneer, though no distinct international non-competitive accolades, such as from the or beyond medal tallies, have been documented.

Rewards and Incentives

Following his win at the 2008 Olympics, Sushil Kumar received cash awards totaling ₹1.05 from various government and private entities in . For his silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, the government awarded him ₹1.5 , while the Delhi government provided ₹2 after initially announcing ₹1 and subsequently doubling it. In addition to monetary rewards, Kumar received government employment incentives, including a position as a senior commercial manager with Northern Railway, which was granted as recognition for his Olympic successes. He was also deputed by the government as Officer on Special Duty at to support sports development. These rewards and incentives, common for Indian Olympic medalists, provided financial security and professional stability to encourage sustained athletic performance.

Early Incidents and Assaults

In the 2012 London Olympics men's 66 kg semi-final on August 8, Sushil Kumar faced Kazakhstan's Akhzurek Tanatrov and was observed his opponent's during the third period amid intense . Tanatrov did not lodge a formal during the bout, which Sushil won 3-1 to advance to the final, ultimately securing a after losing to Japan's Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu. Kumar denied intentionally , attributing it to the physical demands of the match. During the December 29, 2017, selection trials for the 2018 Commonwealth Games at KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium in New Delhi, Sushil Kumar defeated his former protégé Praveen Rana 7-3 in the 74 kg semi-final bout, amid mutual accusations of foul play. Post-match, supporters of both wrestlers clashed violently in the arena, using chairs as weapons and causing multiple injuries, including to Rana's brother Naveen, who alleged threats and assault by Kumar's group. Delhi Police registered an FIR against Kumar and five supporters under sections for rioting and causing hurt, though Kumar denied direct involvement and claimed the altercation stemmed from Rana's side initiating unfair tactics during the match, such as alleged slapping and biting. The Wrestling Federation of India condemned the brawl but took no formal disciplinary action against Kumar, who proceeded to represent India at the Games. In a 2019 national trial at KD Jadhav Stadium, Sushil Kumar defeated Jitender Kumar 4-2 in the 74 kg category, but the bout drew scrutiny when Kumar's thumb reportedly gouged Jitender's left eye and a subsequent grip inflicted an elbow injury. Kumar rejected claims of deliberate targeting, describing the contact as incidental to competitive wrestling techniques, and was seen consoling Jitender afterward. No sanctions followed, though the incident fueled ongoing debates about aggressive tactics in Indian wrestling trials. Reports of tensions with coaches, including unverified allegations of physical altercations leading to staff departures, surfaced periodically in Kumar's career, but lacked specific dates or independent corroboration beyond anecdotal accounts from associates like . These episodes contributed to perceptions of Kumar's assertive demeanor in training environments at .

2021 Murder Allegations

On the night of May 4, 2021, junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar, aged 23, was allegedly abducted from near in by Sushil Kumar and several associates, following a dispute over a in the area that Dhankar's family had purchased but which Kumar's group reportedly sought to encroach upon. Dhankar was lured to the stadium under the pretense of a wrestling-related meeting, where he was subjected to a severe beating using sticks and other objects, resulting in multiple injuries including to his head, chest, and ; he was found unconscious the next day and declared dead on May 5, 2021, at a . The post-mortem report confirmed ante-mortem injuries consistent with blunt force trauma as the , with no evidence of or accidental harm. Kumar, identified as the prime accused, evaded arrest initially and was apprehended on May 23, 2021, in after a police chase involving multiple teams; he was charged under sections including 302 (), 364 (kidnapping), 307 (attempt to murder), and provisions for and rioting. Alongside Kumar, 17 others, including his associates and alleged accomplices from the wrestling community, faced similar charges for their roles in the assault. In October 2022, a formally framed and related charges against Kumar and the co-accused, rejecting pleas for discharge and noting prima facie evidence of premeditation and group involvement. Initial bail applications were denied by lower courts citing the gravity of the offense and risk of , leading to Kumar's remand to Tihar Jail. The granted him regular on March 4, 2025, considering factors such as prolonged detention and trial delays, though with conditions like not influencing witnesses. However, on August 13, 2025, the overturned this decision, revoking and directing Kumar to surrender within one week, emphasizing the heinous nature of the crime, linking him to the assault (including eyewitness accounts and recovery of weapons), and concerns over his potential to evade justice given prior absconding. As of October 2025, the trial remains ongoing in Delhi's Karkardooma Courts, with Kumar in custody.

Trial Proceedings and Outcomes

Sushil Kumar, along with co-accused Ajay Kumar and 16 others, was formally charged with murder under Section 302 of the , as well as additional offenses including , criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence, by the in a charge sheet filed before the Rouse Avenue District Court on October 13, 2022. The charges stemmed from the alleged assault on junior wrestler Sagar Dhankar at on May 4, 2021, which resulted in Dhankar's death from internal injuries on May 5, 2021; forensic evidence cited by prosecutors included Kumar's DNA on Dhankar's clothing and eyewitness accounts of Kumar's involvement in the attack over a property dispute. The trial proceedings began thereafter, with the court framing charges against the accused, who pleaded not guilty. The trial has progressed slowly, with only 30 of the 186 listed prosecution witnesses examined as of early 2025, despite the case being over three years old; delays have been attributed to procedural complexities and the gravity of the offenses. Kumar's initial bail applications were rejected by the trial court and in 2021, citing risks of , but he received temporary on five occasions for personal and medical reasons, during which the prosecution alleged a pattern of threats to witnesses. On March 4, 2025, the granted Kumar regular , emphasizing the prolonged detention without substantial advancement and the lack of of his role in the fatal assault, while imposing conditions such as prohibiting contact with witnesses and requiring regular reporting. The , on August 13, 2025, set aside the 's bail order in a 2-1 , directing to surrender within one week and return to custody; the majority justices reasoned that the erred by overemphasizing trial delays without adequately weighing the charge's severity, potential for given 's influence in wrestling circles, and risks to the trial's integrity. The dissenting justice argued for upholding bail due to the investigative delays and 's compliance during prior releases. As of October 2025, the trial remains ongoing without a final verdict, with in judicial custody at Tihar Jail; no conviction or acquittal has been rendered, and the prosecution continues to present evidence including CCTV footage and medical reports linking the assault to Dhankar's death.

References

  1. https://sports.ndtv.com/wrestling/players/105077-sushil-kumar-playerprofile
  2. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/indian-wrestler-sushil-kumar-olympics-2008-beijing-bronze-medal
  3. https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/sushil-kumar
  4. https://www.espn.com/commonwealth-games/story/_/id/23127110/sushil-kumar-completes-hat-trick-golds-cwg-babita-kumari-rahul-aware-win-silver-gold-2018-commonwealth-games
  5. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57213116
  6. https://www.espn.com/wrestling/story/_/id/34787426/sushil-kumar-murder-charges-chhatrasal-stadium-case-death-sagar-dhankhad
  7. https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/sushil-kumar-murder-case-bail-cancelled-wrestling-career-timeline-10186727/
  8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/wrestling/supreme-court-cancels-bail-granted-to-wrestler-sushil-kumar-in-chhatrasal-stadium-murder-case/articleshow/123273547.cms
  9. https://www.jatland.com/home/Sushil_Solanki
  10. https://www.jaat.co.uk/jaat-icon/sunil-kumar/
  11. https://starsunfolded.com/sushil-kumar-wrestler/
  12. https://sportsmatik.com/hall-of-fame/view/sushil-kumar-1821
  13. https://thedigitalyug.com/stories/falling-legacy-of-india-pride-sushil-kumar-biography
  14. https://www.kreedon.com/wrestler-sushil-kumar-india
  15. https://www.espn.com/wrestling/story/_/id/31398549/on-home-turf-wrestling-legend-sushil-kumar-finds-the-law
  16. https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/sushil-kumar
  17. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/wake-up-at-4am-sushil-kumar-explains-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-wrestler
  18. https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/108052
  19. https://olympics.com/en/athletes/sushil-kumar
  20. https://www.sportsmatik.com/hall-of-fame/view/sushil-kumar-1821
  21. https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/beijing-2008/results/wrestling/welterweight-freestyle-66-kilograms-men
  22. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/olympics/sushil-kumar-wrestling-2008-olympics-beijing-games-bronze-medal-kd-jadhav-helsinki/article35167342.ece
  23. https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/wrestling/7572382.stm
  24. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/photo/sushil-wins-asian-gold-360749-2010-05-13
  25. https://uww.org/article/sushil-kumar-wins-world-championship-awakens-wrestling-powerhouse-india
  26. https://cms.uww.org/article/sushil-kumar-wins-world-championship-awakens-wrestling-powerhouse-india?page=1
  27. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/Tie-Breaker/why-sushil-kumar-was-the-best-in-2010/
  28. https://www.newsclick.in/mat-finished-sushil-kumar-wrestling-icons-bout-against-time
  29. https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/london-2012/results/wrestling/freestyle-66-kg-men
  30. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/olympics-2012/story/london-2012-wrestling-66kg-category-sushil-kumar-113089-2012-08-11
  31. https://www.espn.co.uk/olympics/summer/2012/wrestling/story/_/id/8261608/2012-london-olympics-tatsuhiro-yonemitsu-ends-japan-wrestling-gold-drought-66-kg-title
  32. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/sushil-kumar-london-2012-olympics-silver-medal-indian-wrestler
  33. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/wrestling-japans-yonemitsu-wins-66kg-freestyle-gold-idUSBRE87B096/
  34. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/other-sports/story/cwg-2014-indias-sushil-kumar-beats-pakistan-wrestler-to-win-gold-medal-202130-2014-07-29
  35. https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/sushil-kumar-opts-out-of-asian-games/article6314074.ece
  36. https://sports.ndtv.com/olympics-2016/wrestling-star-sushil-kumar-s-rio-olympics-dreams-jolted-after-high-court-order-1483328
  37. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/asian-games/asian-games-wrestler-sushil-kumar-faces-uncertain-future/articleshow/65484708.cms
  38. https://www.firstpost.com/sports/asian-games-2018-sushil-kumar-insists-his-career-is-far-from-over-after-losing-opening-match-in-mega-event-4996631.html
  39. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/wrestling/didnt-compete-enough-admits-sushil-kumar-vows-to-fight-more-often-now/articleshow/71255944.cms
  40. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/23/sushil-kumar-two-time-olympic-medalist-arrested-in-murder-case
  41. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-cancels-bail-of-wrestler-sushil-kumar-in-chhatrasal-stadium-murder-case-101755062212926.html
  42. https://onlinelegalquery.com/blog/supreme-court-cancels-bail-sushil-kumar-murder-case
  43. https://www.olympiandatabase.com/index.php?id=80410&L=1
  44. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/world-wrestling-championships-india-wrestlers-medal-winners
  45. https://cms.uww.org/article/sushil-kumar-wins-world-championship-awakens-wrestling-powerhouse-india?page=46
  46. https://www.firstpost.com/sports/world-wrestling-championships-2019-sushil-kumar-squanders-five-point-lead-to-lose-opening-round-match-7374121.html
  47. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/india-wrestling-olympic-games-medals-kd-jadhav-sushil-kumar
  48. https://timesnownews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-when-sushil-kumar-secured-third-straight-cwg-gold-with-flawless-win-in-2018-article-93170786
  49. https://www.thequint.com/sports/asian-games/asian-games-2018-sushil-kumar-first-round-loss-repechage
  50. https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/the-celebrations-have-just-begun-28633-2008-08-21
  51. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indian-wrestler-sushil-kumar-got-married-to-savi-on-18th-february-today-is-his-younger-brother-amarjeets-wedding-in-dwarka-/articleshow/7534769.cms
  52. https://www.rediff.com/sports/slide-show/slide-show-1-wrestler-sushil-ties-the-knot-with-savi-in-lavish-ceremony/20110219.htm
  53. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/delhi/sushil-kumar-gets-engaged/articleshow/6900888.cms
  54. https://starsunfolded.com/savi-kumar/
  55. https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/sushil-kumar-and-wife-savis-special-collab-for-10th-wedding-anniversary-23159649?sports-other-sports-article-breakingnews
  56. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/sushil-kumar-wiki-bio-first-indian-two-olympic-medals-murder-case-wife-savi-tihar-jail-55357
  57. https://sports.ndtv.com/other-sports/twins-for-twin-olympic-wresting-medallist-sushil-kumar-1525162
  58. https://www.india.com/sports/wrestler-sushil-kumar-spends-quality-time-with-wife-in-thailand-3859273/
  59. https://www.sovrenn.com/knowledge/net-worth-of-the-top-indian-wrestlers
  60. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/man-nabbed-with-firearms-claims-link-to-wrestler-sushil-kumar/
  61. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/old-house-of-wrestler-sushil-kumar-in-baprola-village-news-photo/675367608
  62. https://www.mansworldindia.com/grooming-special/sushil-kumar
  63. https://www.kreedon.com/wrestler-sushil-kumar-diet-plan
  64. https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/stand-tall-like-sushil-kumar-112092200062_1.html
  65. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/make-a-45-day-plan-sushil-kumar-advises-wrestlers-on-losing-weight
  66. https://lawbeat.in/news-updates/why-sushil-kumar-is-back-in-jail-supreme-courts-crucial-reasoning-1515477
  67. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/other-sports/story/sumpreme-cancels-sushil-kumars-bail-in-sagar-dhankad-murder-case-2770513-2025-08-13
  68. https://theprint.in/india/inside-tihar-wrestler-sushil-kumar-gives-fitness-tips-to-umar-khalid-other-inmates/803898/
  69. https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/wrestler-endorsed-brands-jittery-at-olympics-axe-113021900911_1.html
  70. https://www.adgully.com/sushil-kumar-inks-high-value-endorsement-deal-51987.html
  71. https://m.economictimes.com/sushil-kumar-appointed-brand-ambassador-of-ralson-tyres/articleshow/16768785.cms
  72. https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/sri-sri-signs-on-sindhu-to-endorse-health-drink/20161015.htm
  73. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/olympic-laurels-get-medal-winners-big-brand-deals/articleshow/15486081.cms
  74. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/sushil-kumar-says-no-to-rs-50-lakh-liquor-ad/story-EFfmIoG9FjnPcI2h7kJqEI.html
  75. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/cricketer-suresh-raina-wrestler-sushil-kumar-on-comedy-nights-with-kapil/
  76. https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/wrestler-sushil-kumar-to-be-judge-on-mtv-roadies-x4-with-rannvijay-karan-kundra-neha-dhupia-271151-2015-11-03
  77. https://www.indiaforums.com/article/ace-wrestler-sushil-kumar-to-be-back-on-a-tv-show_98575
  78. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/the-kapil-sharma-show-written-update-june-24-2017-sushil-kumar-shows-some-wrestling-moves-to-the-audience/articleshow/59307961.cms
  79. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/three-khel-ratnas-shine-bright-at-rashtrapati-bhawan/articleshow/4948720.cms
  80. https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-rewards-pour-in-for-sushil-kumar-1184526
  81. https://m.economictimes.com/haryana-govt-announces-rs-1-5-crore-for-sushil-kumar/articleshow/15462134.cms
  82. https://m.economictimes.com/delhi-government-doubles-cash-reward-to-sushil-kumar/articleshow/15518977.cms
  83. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/wrestling/sushil-kumars-job-with-northern-railway-at-stake/articleshow/82881536.cms
  84. https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/olympic-medallist-sushil-kumar-s-job-with-northern-railway-at-stake-121052300628_1.html
  85. https://openthemagazine.com/feature/the-rise-and-fall-of-sushil-kumar
  86. https://khelnow.com/wrestling/olympic-sports-top-five-controversies-surrounding-olympic-medalist-sushil-kumar
  87. https://sports.ndtv.com/wrestling/case-against-sushil-kumar-after-supporters-brawl-with-rival-1793795
  88. https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/sushil-kumar-parveen-rana-cwg-2018-trials-fight-video-5003831/
  89. https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/fir-against-wrestler-sushil-kumar-supporters-for-brawl/article22331711.ece
  90. https://www.mensxp.com/sports/ringside/41667-sushil-kumar-vs-parveen-rana-how-a-mentor-his-disciple-became-bitter-rivals.html
  91. https://www.vice.com/en/article/olympic-medallist-wrestler-sushil-kumar-crime-murder-india/
  92. https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/sushil-the-case-against-one-of-india-s-iconic-olympic-athletes-101620437581568.html
  93. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/olympian-sushil-kumar-gets-bail-in-junior-wrestler-sagar-dhankar-murder-case-7845243
  94. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sagar-dhankhar-murder-supreme-court-cancels-bail-olympic-wrestler-sushil-kumar-10186265/
  95. https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2025/08/19/supreme-court-sushil-kumar-bail-sagar-dhankhar-murder-case/
  96. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2025/Aug/14/sc-cancels-wrestler-sushil-kumars-bail-in-murder-case-orders-surrender-within-one-week
  97. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/top-court-cancels-olympian-sushil-kumars-bail-in-murder-case/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.