Ambikapur

In a story of grit and quiet determination, Jammu and Kashmir wrestler Hamam Hussain has turned years of struggle into triumph, clinching his first national-level gold medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games in Ambikapur.

Hussain, 28, who hails from Jorawar village in Jammu, secured the top podium finish in the men’s 79kg freestyle category after defeating Mohit Kumar of Himachal Pradesh. The victory marks a major milestone in his 14-year wrestling journey.

Behind the achievement lies a life marked by hardship. After the death of his father five years ago, Hussain and his elder brother took on the responsibility of running the household. The two began selling milk — using the buffaloes left behind by their father — to make ends meet. While his brother gave up wrestling to support the family full-time, he ensured that Hussain continued to pursue the sport.

Despite financial constraints and limited infrastructure, Hussain remained committed. He trains primarily in traditional mud akhadas, travelling nearly 20 km from his village, and makes a 40 km journey to Jammu whenever he gets access to mat practice at facilities run by the Sports Authority of India.

Without a personal coach, Hussain relies on guidance from senior wrestlers in his village akhada, supplementing his training with occasional sessions under professional coaches during competitions. He points out that athletes from rural areas often lack access to the facilities available in cities, a gap he believes must be addressed to unlock greater potential.

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For Hussain, the gold medal is more than just a sporting achievement—it represents validation of years of perseverance against the odds. Coming from a region with limited support for wrestling, he hopes that more platforms like the Khelo India Tribal Games will provide opportunities for athletes from underrepresented communities to shine on the national and international stage.