Munish Sood
Mandi
Himachal Pradesh added another golden chapter to its sporting history as 16-year-old Shauryaveer Yadav from Sundernagar clinched the gold medal at the National Junior Kurash Championship held at Patliputra Sports Stadium in Patna, Bihar.
With this remarkable victory, Shauryaveer has not only brought laurels to the state but has also become the first international Kurash player from Himachal Pradesh. His gold medal in the +83 kg Junior Boys category has secured him a coveted place in the Indian team for the upcoming World Junior Kurash Championship.
Kurash was introduced in Himachal Pradesh school sports just two years ago, making Shauryaveer’s achievement in such a short span truly historic for the state.
Asian Championship Medallist Already
Shauryaveer has earlier represented India at the Asian Kurash Championship, where he won a medal and became the first athlete from Himachal Pradesh to achieve this feat at the international level.
Coach Virender Dhaulata’s Guidance Proves Crucial
This historic success has come under the mentorship of Virender Singh Dhaulata, founder of Kurash in Himachal Pradesh, General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Kurash Association, and a Commonwealth Judo medallist.
Currently serving as a Commerce Lecturer in the Education Department, Dhaulata introduced Shauryaveer to the sport and groomed him with technical expertise and discipline.
Expressing his pride, Dhaulata said,
“Shauryaveer has shown exceptional talent from the very beginning. We were confident that he would win gold. In the coming years, he will bring many more honours for India.”
A Legacy of Sporting Excellence
Shauryaveer comes from a distinguished sporting family. His father, Dr Sanjay Yadav, is an international athlete, recipient of the prestigious Parshuram Award, and recently honoured with the State Teachers’ Award 2024.
His uncle, Jagdish Pehlwan, is a celebrated wrestler who has won prestigious titles such as Himachal Kesari and Himachal Kumar.
Associations Extend Congratulations
Office bearers of the Himachal Pradesh Kurash Association — Chairman Kaushal Mangta, President Dr Surendra Kulla, Senior Vice-President Surjeet Parmar, Treasurer Hardev Negi, and Mandi Kurash Association General Secretary Dhani Ram — congratulated Shauryaveer on his landmark achievement and announced that a grand felicitation ceremony will soon be organised to honour the young champion and his coach.
They expressed confidence that Shauryaveer will continue to shine on the world stage and bring further glory to India and Himachal Pradesh.
