Sushil Kumar, at the height of his powers, single-handedly propelled Indian wrestling to new heights, but as police search for him in connection with a murder case, the sport's reputation has taken a hit equal to that of the trailblazing grappler.
Sushil Kumar was born on May 26, 1983, to Diwan Singh and his wife Kamla Devi in Baprola village, on the outskirts of New Delhi. His father worked for the Delhi Transport Corporation as a bus driver and was a wrestling fan in his own right.
Kumar's cousin Sandeep was also a wrestler, and it was his cousin who inspired him to take up the sport. His father also aided him. Kumar began wrestling training at the ‘akhada,' or wrestling academy, located in New Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium, when he was 14 years old. Satpal, a well-known wrestler, was one of his coaches.
In 2011, he was honoured with Padma Shri—the fourth highest civilian award in India.
In 2012, he made history by becoming the first Indian to earn back-to-back individual Olympic medals when he won silver in the 66kg freestyle category at the London Olympics. He is the only person in Olympic history to have won two individual gold medals.
Sushil Kumar was a role model for many young Indian wrestlers, now has been accused of using guns as well as harassing the junior wrestlers in the past.
According to the victims' accounts, Sushil and his associates kidnapped Sagar from his Model Town home to teach him a lesson for badmouthing him in front of other wrestlers.
A 23-year-old wrestler died and two of his friends were wounded, according to police, after they were allegedly violently assaulted by other wrestlers inside Chhatrasal Stadium in the city's northern outskirts.
During the investigation, it was discovered that a quarrel had occurred in the parking area between Sushil Kumar, Ajay, Prince, Sonu, Sagar, Amit, and others.
However,Sushil Kumar had previously claimed that none of his wrestlers were involved in the fight.
During a brawl in the Stadium's parking lot, Sagar Rana was beaten to death. Kumar has been charged with murder, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy.
After the death of Sagar Rana on May 5, Sushil Kumar has been on the run. The senior wrestler has been charged with murder, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy.
Sushil Kumar and six others were given non-bailable warrants by a Delhi court last week, just days after a lookout notice was issued against the two-time Olympic medalist in the same case.Delhi Police also announced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh for feedback on the wrestler who was absconding since May 4.