Mentor Yogeshwar hails his proud pupil

NEWDELHI: Bajrang Punia swears by one name - Yogeshwar Dutt. Call him his mentor, brother or family, the London Olympics bronze medallist is everything for Bajrang.

It was 2008 when a 13-year-old Bajrang came to Chhatrasal Stadium and caught Yogeshwar’s attention. Hailing from Khudan, a village in Jhajjar district, Bajrang came from a humble family. Yogeshwar took him under his wings, not only guiding him on the mat but also helping him financially. They shared a bond.

Yogeshwar’s bronze at the London Olympics fuelled Bajrang’s ambitions. On Sunday, the 24-year-old kept the promise he made to his mentor - of winning gold at the Asian Games, a feat Yogeshwar had achieved in 2014.

Yogeshwar was proud of his pupil. “I am very happy for Bajrang. He went into the competition as a favourite and proved himself against such tough opponents. He will have his eyes fixed on Tokyo now,” said Yogeshwar.

“I always noticed one thing in Bajrang. ‘Usse shuru se hi bada pehelwan banna tha. Ek jid thi bas (He wanted to become a top wrestler). Bajrang was under pressure in the final as he was meeting someone who beat him before. The wrestling was fast and it helped Bajrang that he took a lead of six points.”

Remembering Bajrang’s initial days, Yogeshwar said. “He has seen lot of struggles in life but has never given up. It has made him tough. Thanks to Bajrang, now the family is well settled.”

A young Bajrang was groomed in the same category as that of Yogeshwar 60kg and later 65kg. But Bajrang would never face his mentor in trials. He patiently bid for his time. In Jakarta, Bajrang carried the legacy of Yogeshwar.