2. Early Life and Education

Date and Place of Birth
Sushil Kumar was born on 26 May 1983 in Baprola village, near Najafgarh in southwest Delhi, to Diwan Singh, a bus driver for the Delhi Transport Corporation, and Kamla Devi, a homemaker.

Family Background
Hailing from a modest family, Sushil grew up with strong encouragement from his father and cousin, both of whom were wrestlers . His cousin Sandeep was particularly influential in motivating him to take up India’s traditional sport—wrestling.

Education History
He began training at age 14 at the iconic Chhatrasal Stadium akhada in Delhi under Mahabali Satpal Singh, a renowned coach. Academically, he attended local schools before earning a degree from Noida College of Physical Education in Dadri. Some sources also mention postgraduate studies at Patna University, though it appears he did not complete them.

Early Interests and Influences
Sushil's athletic inclinations were evident early on. At 14, he dedicated himself to wrestling training, influenced by his family and mentor. In 1998, he marked his first major success by winning gold at the World Cadet (Age) Games, followed by another in 2000 at the Asian Junior Wrestling Championships.

3. Career

Career Beginnings

Sushil began his professional journey by winning his first senior-level medal at the 2003 Asian Wrestling Championships (bronze, 60 kg) in New Delhi. The same year, he clinched gold at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships (London).

Major Milestones

• 2004 Athens Olympics: Debut Olympic appearance; finished 14th in 60 kg freestyle .
• 2005 Cape Town Commonwealth Wrestling: Gold in 66 kg freestyle.
• 2006 Asian Games (Doha): Bronze in 66 kg freestyle.
• 2007 Commonwealth Wrestling (London): Gold in 66 kg freestyle; silver at Asian Championships in Kyrgyzstan .
• 2008 Beijing Olympics: Bronze in 66 kg freestyle, marking India's first wrestling Olympic medal since 1952.
• 2010: Made history as the first Indian to win gold at the World Wrestling Championships (66 kg, Moscow. Also gold at Delhi Commonwealth Games & Asian Championships.
• 2012 London Olympics: Silver in 66 kg, becoming the first Indian to win back‑to‑back individual Olympic medals.
• 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games: Gold in 74 kg freestyle.
• 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games: Another gold in 74 kg division.

Significant Achievements

Sushil Kumar’s accolades include:

• Bronze – Beijing Olympics 2008
• Silver – London Olympics 2012
• Gold – World Championships 2010 (first Indian)
• Three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist (2010, 2014, 2018)
• Multiple medals at Asian Games and Championships

Collaborations and Partnerships

Under Coach Satpal Singh, Sushil refined his craft. He trained at the historic Guru Hanuman akhara, the cradle of Indian wrestling. His success also sparked interest in wrestling across India, leading to roles as brand ambassador and sports personality, working with various training programs and youth initiatives.

4. Personal Life

Marital Status and Spouse(s)

On 18 February 2011, Sushil married Savi Kumar, a former national-level tennis player and daughter of wrestler Satpal Singh.

Children

The couple has twin sons, Suvarn and Suveer, born on 5 January 2014.

Hobbies and Interests

Sushil enjoys traveling, reading, and is a vegetarian his diet famously included white butter and milk during training. He has also turned down a liquor-brand endorsement on ethical grounds.

Philanthropy and Activism

While not widely publicized, he actively promotes wrestling through paid clinics, public appearances, and as an inspirational figure to India's youth.

5. Death and Legacy

Death: Not applicable—Sushil Kumar is alive as of June 2025.

Legacy: A national icon, his success paved the way for Indian wrestling. He inspired countless young athletes, lifting India’s global wrestling presence.

6. Awards and Honors

• Arjuna Award (2005)
• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2009) (shared with others)
• Padma Shri (2011)
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2008/09)
• CNN‑IBN Indian of the Year – Sport (2010)
• Numerous government cash awards & promotions:
• ₹ 55 lakhs (Beijing reward)
• ₹ 1–2 crore+ (London reward)
• Land in Haryana, rail promotion

7. Bibliography / Filmography

No dedicated books or films are solely about him, but he has been featured heavily in sports documentaries, TV features, and sports journalism highlighting Indian wrestling legends.

8. External Links

• No official personal website known.
• Sushil Kumar on Instagram
• [Sushil Kumar on Facebook/Public figure Page]
• [Pro Wrestling India – archived features]