Shaurya Veer Yadav, Siddharth Thakur earn spots in Indian junior team after stellar performance in nationals
MANDI: Two young wrestlers from Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, Shaurya Veer Yadav and Siddharth Thakur, have been selected to represent India at the prestigious Asian Kurash Championship-2025, scheduled to be held in Changju, South Korea, in July.
The selection came after the duo delivered exceptional performances at the Indian team trials for the championship, held in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, from May 15 to 17. Competing in the junior boys’ categories, Shaurya Veer secured first place in the 90 kg division, while Siddharth claimed second position in the 81 kg category, defeating strong contenders from states like Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
Proud moment for Himachal Pradesh
Announcing the selection, Virender Singh Dhaulta, general secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Amateur Kurash Association, called it a moment of pride for the entire state. “These young athletes have showcased extraordinary grit and determination, earning Himachal a seat on the international stage,” he said.
Shaurya Veer Yadav, aged 15, is the son of Dr Sanjay Kumar Yadav, an international-level athlete and recipient of the Parshuram Award and the State Teacher Award 2025. Dr Yadav has been an inspiring figure in both sports and education. His son is now following in his footsteps with rapid strides toward international recognition.
Siddharth Thakur, meanwhile, hails from a sporting family as well. His father Roop Singh Thakur is a physical education teacher and a wrestling arena coordinator in Dhawal, Sundernagar.
Series of national achievements
Both athletes have already made a mark at the national level. Shaurya was declared best player at the State School Indoor Games, won a silver medal at the National Junior Kurash Championship, and earned a bronze medal in wrestling at the National School Games-2025 held at Chhatrasal Stadium, New Delhi. He also represented Himachal at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Patna from May 11 to 14.
Earlier this year, Shaurya made headlines by clinching two prestigious titles — ‘Mandi Kumar’ at the Mandi International Shivratri Festival, and ‘Suket Himachal Kumar’ at the Nalwar Mela, Sundernagar — awarded by the Himachal Pradesh Government.
Road ahead: Youth Olympics in sight
Officials of the state Kurash association have expressed optimism about the athletes’ performance in the upcoming championship. Kaushal Mangta, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Kurash Association, along with Dr. Surender Kulla (President) and Hardev Negi (Treasurer), extended their congratulations to the players.
They also commended the role of Virender Singh Dhaulta, who has been instrumental in guiding and mentoring young talent. “With the right training and focus, these athletes have the potential to bring home medals and qualify for the Youth Olympics,” they said.
Munish Sood
