Olympian Sushil Kumars new bout: Wrestles with a Masters

Wrestling is not really a textbook sport,and yet,ahead of the Asian Wrestling Championship beginning in the Capital from May 12,Sushil Kumar has been poring over his notes everyday.

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Wrestling is not really a textbook sport,and yet,ahead of the Asian Wrestling Championship beginning in the Capital from May 12,Sushil Kumar has been poring over his notes everyday. The answer lies off the mat: the Beijing Olympic bronze medallist is pursuing a Masters degree in physical education.

During a 21-day camp at the Sports Authority of India centre at Bhalgarh in Sonepat that ended on Saturday,the 26-year-old could be seen going over his notes for the final-year examination that gets underway right after the five-day tournament.

Helping him crack the exams is Sushil Rajput,Chairman of the Noida College of Physical Education,where Kumar is a student.

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A friend of Kumars trainers Yashveer and Ramphal Rajput has known the wrestler for long. To assist Kumar,he has prepared notes in Sports Management,Sports Medicine,Health Education and Officiating & Coaching,and the wrestler diligently sifts through them,two hours a day.

The curriculum consists of both practicals and written examinations. Sushil Kumar knows everything about wrestling,so he has nothing to worry about during the exams. Besides,its not like he is preparing for the IAS. It shouldnt be tough for him to get good grades, says Rajput.

Nevertheless,the Najafgarh resident is not taking anything for granted. Asian championships ke baad exams hain to padhai chaloo hai (The exams are right after the Asian championships,so Ive to study), he says.

One worry is the occasional English that may feature in the question papers,though Kumar is writing his papers in Hindi. Its a problem as hes not that conversant in English. Little things like these come in his way. Other than that,he knows what he is supposed to do, Rajput says.

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Of the many benefits that the 66-kg champion and other sportspersons get at the Noida College is that depending on their tournament and training schedule,their exam dates can be flexible. They dont have to worry about attendance either.

While the exams were slated to be held from May 2-16,the Vice-Chancellor allowed the test dates to be shifted to 22nd,to accommodate the Asian event. My college and teachers have been very helpful. I have been allowed to stay in the camp and submit my practical papers from here, says the wrestler. The man who surprised everybody with his Olympic win isnt ready to stop after the Masters degree either. Hes aiming to go for M.Phil and then Ph.D,provided the medium of instruction is Hindi. Hindi ko main nahi chhod sakta, he says.