PATNA, May 15: Rutuja Santosh Gurav, the daughter of a construction labourer from Panchgaon village in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district, clinched gold in the U-17 girls’ 46kg wrestling category at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) on Wednesday, capping an inspirational journey rooted in resilience and unwavering family support.
Just 16 years old, Rutuja displayed skill and composure throughout her campaign — defeating Delhi’s Khushi (3-1), Bihar’s Rupa Kumari (4-0) in the semifinals, and Haryana’s Annu (3-1) in a closely fought final to emerge champion. Khushi and Kashish Gurjar of Rajasthan secured the bronze medals.
The path to this podium finish began when her father, Santosh Gurav, first took her to a wrestling academy at age eight. Inspired by the film Dangal, Rutuja overcame initial hesitation and committed herself to the sport. Her father, though unfamiliar with wrestling techniques, has never missed a match — working overtime to support the family while ensuring his presence at her bouts.
Despite financial constraints — Santosh earns around Rs 15,000 a month, supplemented by his wife’s Rs 6,000 income as a grocery store helper — the family’s determination has never wavered.
Rutuja’s success story includes back-to-back Junior National titles, a silver at the 2023 Nationals, and a silver at the Junior Asian Championships in Thailand. Her KIYG gold is not only a career milestone but also a crucial step towards securing a Khelo India scholarship, which her family hopes will ease financial pressures and aid her training.
“This win means a lot,” said Santosh. “The Khelo India scheme will help with her nutrition, equipment, and let her focus fully on wrestling.”
Rutuja’s victory stands as a powerful testament to the strength of dreams — built not in privilege, but through sacrifice, sweat, and belief.
