God has been very kind: Yogeshwar

From the hinterlands of Haryana to a podium finish on the planet’s greatest sporting extravaganza, life has come a full circle for grappler Yogeshwar Dutt.

One of the best in the business but modest to the core, Yogeshwar, like many of his ilk, prefers to remain virtually unsung and lost in wilderness.

A day out with the unassuming grappler at his village in Bhainswal Kalan in Sonepat district, and one got a fair idea of what it takes to be a winner at the Olympics.

Treading the water-clogged roads of Sonepat to the narrow bylanes of a fairly unknown village, it seems as if you have reached a different sphere. But once in Bhainswal Kalan, you know you are chasing a star. All due to the 29-year-old’s bronze-winning feat at the ExCel Arena in London.

From children to senior citizens, everyone is ready to guide you to the wrestler’s home -- a double story house with a room on the ground floor dedicated to Yogeshwar’s achievements.

Amid the festivities that continue unabashed since Yogeshwar’s return from the British capital, one cannot escape the gaze at the five continental rings looming large at the front wall of his house.

“There should be some memories from the London Games,” said a proud Yogeshwar, who was recommended for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award on Saturday.

“Finally, got a medal at the Olympics. God has really been kind. The immediate recognition has made the joy double,” the wrestler said with a smile, seemingly not very much concerned about the colour of the medal.

“I did a lot of hard work to reach this stage. I am happy that I was able to deliver for the country at the Olympics,” continued Yogeshwar as his phone rang without a pause, and the grappler trying to receive all the calls without complain.

As your eyes wander to find the elusive medal in the trophy cabinet, you realise that the prized metal rests in the safest custody. The shields and trophies give you a fair idea of his achievements, his dedication towards the sport and the years of hard work that he has put in to be what he is today.