Wrestler Sunil Kumar Calls Mother First After Winning Bronze in Nagoya

New Delhi – At the Nagoya Asian Games, Greco‑Roman wrestler Sunil Kumar added a bronze medal to his tally in the 87 kg weight class. The 27‑year‑old entered the competition with a gold medal ambition, yet a recent knee operation meant the bronze was a realistic and commendable outcome.

Immediately after the medal ceremony, Sunil reached out to his mother, acknowledging that her prayers and moral support were essential throughout his rehab process. His sponsors later remarked that representing India and standing on the podium mattered greatly, even if the gold slipped away.

In the decisive bout, Sunil faced the Philippines’ Calam Jonston Roberts. By executing a flurry of scoring techniques, Sunil achieved a 9‑0 technical superiority victory in under two minutes, leaving his opponent passive and unable to score.

The medal not only replicates his 2022 Asian Games bronze but also crowns Sunil as the first Indian athlete to win two Greco‑Roman medals at the Asian Games. This milestone underscores the growing depth of Indian wrestling talent.

Sunil concluded the interview by expressing heartfelt thanks to his family, coaches, and the entire support system that helped him return to elite competition, and he hinted at future aspirations for higher honors.