Just before the assembly elections, famous wrestler Bajrang Punia made a dramatic entry into Haryana politics. Since then, there has been talk everywhere that he will become the working president of the All India Kisan Congress. But that’s according to those who knew Bajrang from afar. But what about those who have been watching him? To find out how villagers and fellow wrestlers view his decision to enter politics, aajtak.in visited Khuddan village in Bajrang.
Olympic medalist Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has been making headlines recently. Bajrang, 30, has joined the Congress Party. Now he will try his luck in the political arena. For this reason, he even quit his job on the railway.
Judging from the discussion of Bajrang’s name in political circles, or his previous career, it is conceivable that the appearance of his village will also be exciting. But that’s not the case. The roads in Khuddan village look bad due to rain. Water accumulated in many places. This is also Bajrang’s home where he spent his childhood. There are currently tenants living there. One of them, Banita, told us that whenever Bajrang came to the village, he would stay in this house.
We reach the house. In a typical Haryanvi house, there is a living room behind the first door. Old people sit here and smoke hookah, or some less knowledgeable guests stop here to drink tea and water.
How did Bajrang Punia become a star from a small village background?
Bajrang started learning wrestling skills when he was only 5 to 6 years old. Whether it’s rain, sunshine or cold, no weather will affect his practice. He was just obsessed with wrestling. Bajrang’s grandfather and father were also wrestlers. But the family’s situation simply cannot afford the food expenses of the Bajrang wrestlers.
Sarita, a resident of the same village, told reporters that she has been watching “Bajrang” since she was a child. According to Sarita, her parents only said one thing at the time: “We have no money, but we must have a buffalo. We will not let you feel the shortage of milk and ghee.” In this way, Bajrang continued to struggle with a diet of Chuma, ghee, milk and curd.
What do the villagers think of Bajrang’s entry into politics?
Khuddan village is full of tall wrestlers. These include names like Mintu Pehalwan (Hind Kesari), Narendra Pehalwan, Jayshree Pehalwan and Samundar Pehalwan, but none of them are actively involved in politics and maintain their identity through sports only.
Is it right for players to leave sports and join politics? Opinions on the issue appear to be divided. Many people believe that players should just focus on the game, while Bajrang still has more opportunities. “We are still waiting for the Olympic wrestling gold medal,” said a Kudan resident.
Ravindra Punia is Bajrang’s cousin. The two grew up together. he said. “I think he did the right thing and a lot of people’s hopes are pinned on Bajrang. Vinesh and Bajrang hope nothing happens to their sisters, daughters and farmers.
Bajrang started sweating at an early age at the Akhara, located in the temple of Lord Shiva in the village. Wrestler Masturam is also found here, who practiced with Bajrang in his initial days.
Masturam alias Mintu Pehalwan said he has given up wrestling after what happened to the wrestler. As a player, he believed that only other players could understand the struggles of a down-to-earth player. If Bajrang enters politics, we hope there will be no shortage of facilities for the players. Seeing the star player makes other children in the village want to be like him. Only one player can do good things for another player, not any leader. So Bajrang’s decision is correct.
Although there are many wrestlers in the village, only Bajrang Punia has reached the international level. There are so many talented people in the village, why can’t the powerful men get big positions?
Responding to this, Masturam said: “There is no gym and mat facilities in the village. There is no stadium. Many good players have emerged from courts like Chhatrasal Stadium. If our village had such facilities, we would have won too Lots of medals.
Bajrang gains fame but Khuddan’s face remains unchanged
Has anything changed in the wrestling facilities in Bajrang’s Khuddan village after wrestling reached its peak? Reacting to this, Mintu Pehalwan said the government has announced the construction of the stadium. But so far no action has been taken. The village has produced good wrestlers before, but only Bajrang became a star.
Not only boys but girls also perform wrestling in Khuddan. Mintu said girls and boys should have different coaches. The environments in which they practice are different. Due to lack of facilities, the girls in the village have to go outside to Akara.
