Inspired by his Taekwondo champion sister, 18-year-old wrestler Munish from Jalandhar took up sports at a young age. Today, as he proudly displays his national silver medal, his sister beams with love and pride for her younger brother. Making waves on the national wrestling circuit, Munish dreams of one day representing India at the Olympics — and making his sister even prouder.
A two-time state gold medallist and silver medallist at the National School Games held in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, last year, Munish is currently chasing his dream of becoming one of the country’s top wrestlers. Currently training at the Haryana camp in preparation for the Junior Wrestling Ranking Series for U-20 players, Munish says, “Right now, it’s all about practice. My sister Preeti always believed in me and my parents and coaches have constantly supported me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here.” Speaking about how he took up wrestling, Munish says, “My sister played Taekwondo. As I grew up, she saw potential in me for wrestling and inspired me to take up the sport.”
Preeti is currently working as a physical education teacher at a prestigious private school in Phagwara, but Munish says her thoughts and prayers are always with him. Following a rigorous training schedule, Munish heads for his 5.30 pm practice session, saying the last few years have been all about chasing his goal.
A resident of Shiv Nagar in Jalandhar, Munish was in Class 7 when he took up wrestling. Recalling his early days in the sport, Munish says, “Mujhe bas akele larna tha, khud ke liye (I had to fight alone, for myself). With wrestling, it felt like ‘main kisi se bhi lar sakta hoon’ (I could fight anyone).”
He started wrestling around six years ago, in 2020, and credits his school-time wrestling coach Bhim Singh and present coach Raghvendra Singh for believing in him. “It is because of their efforts that my wrestling dream found wings,” he says.
A recent Class 12 pass-out from the School of Eminence, Maqsudan, Munish says his father Suresh Kumar and mother Kamla Devi have always supported his passion for wrestling. He fondly recalls that when he won silver at the School National Games in 2025, his sister Preeti encouraged him by saying, “Koi na, next time gold bhi aa jaeyga” (Never mind, you will win gold next time).
Now preparing to pursue a BA degree, Munish remains focused on wrestling before anything else. His dedication can be gauged from the fact that he did not celebrate his School Nationals silver medal last year, saying, “I will celebrate when I win gold.” Aspiring to represent India at the Olympics one day, Munish is next set to compete in the Junior Ranking Wrestling Series to be held in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
