Chhatrasal lights up as its sons rise

NEW DELHI: There was absolute silence for a couple of minutes at the Chhatrasal Stadium complex when Sushil Kumar lost the gold medal bout to Japan's Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu. For a moment, around 100 aspiring wrestlers looked stunned, not knowing how to react. But soon, their was hearty applause leading to prolonged celebration, an acknowledgement of the fact that winning an Olympic silver medal and becoming the first Indian to win two individual Games medals is no mean achievement.
The akhara within the Chhatrasal complex has been Sushil's alma mater where he began learning the ropes way back in 1994.
For the trainees and the staff at the akhara, the last 24 hours were heady. It started when Yogeshwar Dutt, who is also from this academy, won the bronze last on Saturday. But full-blown festivity began around four on Sunday afternoon when Sushil won his semifinal bout. For the next two hours, there was non-stop Bollywood music and bhangra. The mood was infectious as they sang and danced in joy.
Among those celebrating were many top wrestlers who have been beaten by Sushil and Yogeshwar in the past. Looking at them, it was clear that they were on top of the world thanks to what their academy's men had achieved.
"We are like this. We celebrate each other's success all the time and this occasion is momentous because Sushil and Yogeshwar are our comrades," Anil Mann, one of the coaches, told TOI.
This is, after all, like the second home for both Sushil and Yogeshwar. In room No. 4, where Sushil stays during his training days with four other wrestlers, is just a small area. But, the wrestlers stay together without feeling the pinch. "We are all equal here. Sushil is our inspiration and we will give him a grand reception when he comes back," Pradeep Baliyan, one of Sushil's roommates, said. "He could have done better but his opponent was equally good," he added.
Yogeshwar's temporary habitat here is a conference room with two single beds, not in great condition. Thankfully, the rooms have air-conditioners . But more facilities will be in order for an institution which has produced some of our biggest sporting stars.