In a city better known for its factories than its akharas, 18-year old Kabir Kangra is quietly rewriting the wrestling narrative. From modest beginnings at neighbourhood mud pit to training at the wrestling hub of Haryana’s Sonepat, Kabir’s journey is one of grit, sacrifice and unwavering belief.
His story began in 2022 at a small akhara tucked behind the Tutian Wala Mandir at Shiv Puri in the old city. Run by veteran coach Ashok Kumar, popularly known as ‘Shoki Pehelwan’, the mud pit has long been a cradle of traditional wrestling culture.
“He, accompanied by his friends, came to me after school. With no gear, all he had was determination,” recalls Ashok. “Though he was lean, his grip told a different story. He had no boots or kit. But he had a will to learn, and relied on discipline and hunger to progress. We started in the mitti (sand). It teaches balance, patience and respect. It was about character, not just strength. Kabir absorbed it all,” added Ashok.
Under his guidance, Kabir took a grip on the basics of wrestling — the art of balance, technique and discipline. Moves like dhobi pachad and baharli became second nature to him, and within months, the transformation was evident. His strong grip, balance and instinctive technique earned him his first local dangal victory the same year — an early sign of promise.
Behind Kabir’s rise is a story of quite sacrifice. His father, Dharminder Kumar, a daily-wage worker in Ludhiana, earned just enough to sustain his family. He, however, chose to invest in his son’s potential despite financial hardships.
“I earn Rs 400-500 a day. But when I saw his dedication and coach Ashok Kumar told me Kabir has talent, I knew I had to try. I saved for months, borrowed the rest and sent him to train,” said his father.
Kabir won medals in freestyle wrestling at district-level under-17 championships, qualified for the state-level trials in U-19 plus 60kg weight category and ended runner-up in the state championship held at Amritsar.
A couple of months ago, Kabir moved to Sonepat — India’s wrestling centre known for producing stars like Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya. He joined Raipur Academy, a premier centre for wrestling.
The transition from mud to professional mats demanded a complete transformation — structured diet, scientific training and willingness to take on fierce competition. Kabir adapted quickly. His coach there, Kuldeep, credited his strong foundation in traditional wrestling for his rapid progress.
“He has natural lower-body strength and excellent mat awareness that comes from the mitti. It gives him an edge over others,” said Kuldeep.
Despite his rise, Kabir remains deeply connected to his beginnings. Every time he returns to Ludhiana, he visits the Shiv Puri akhara, touching the soil before stepping onto bigger stages.
“Whatever I am today started here. Guru ji taught me respect for the sport, the opponent and the soil,” Kabir said.
His father said the road ahead was demanding. Monthly expenses for diet, training and travel exceed Rs 15,000 — an enormous burden for his family. He added he takes on extra work shifts to meet the expenses, with hopes support will come through sponsorship and government schemes.
Ludhiana has produced numerous cricketers and athletes, but only a few wrestlers in recent decades. Kabir’s rise shows how traditional akharas like the one behind Tutian Wala Mandir still nurture talent when formal infrastructure is missing. His story also highlights the role of coaches like Shoki Pehelwan, who train without fees, and parents who bet everything on a child’s dream.
Kabir made his maiden national entry earlier this year and also took part in National Ranking tournament at Nandini Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, from May 10 to 12. After recording a comfortable win in the first round, he sustained a hand injury and had to opt out of the competition.
As expenses mount and the competitions intensify, Kabir’s father appealed to the authorities and the corporate sector to step forward. “I am doing everything I can, but it is becoming difficult for me to sustain. If the government or any company supports my son, he can go far. He has the talent and the dedication. All he needs is a chance,” Dharminder said.