In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Mansi Lathar, a young wrestler from the village of Lajwana Kalan in Haryana's Jind district, has clinched a gold medal at the Under-17 World Wrestling Championships held in Oman. Mansi's victory has not only brought glory to India but has also filled her hometown with pride and celebration.
Mansi's performance in the final match was nothing short of dominant. She secured a one-sided victory against her opponent, showcasing the talent and training that has been nurtured in her since childhood. This world championship gold adds to her already impressive record, which includes a gold medal in the Under-17 category at the Asian Championships.
The young champion comes from a family deeply rooted in wrestling. Her uncle, Satish Pahalwan, shared that Mansi has been passionate about sports since her early years. What makes her story even more inspiring is the rich wrestling legacy in her family. Mansi's family boasts three wrestling coaches, including her parents.
Her father, Jaibhagwan Lathar, is not only a coach at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) but also a decorated athlete in his own right. He has been a medalist for India Police 20 times and has represented the country in numerous international wrestling events. Jaibhagwan took voluntary retirement from his position as AASP in the CRPF to focus on coaching and nurturing young talent, including his daughter.
Mansi's mother, Seema Lathar, is also a coach, actively involved in honing the skills of budding wrestlers. This family environment, steeped in wrestling tradition and expertise, has undoubtedly played a crucial role in Mansi's development as a world-class athlete.
The Lathar family's contribution to Indian sports is significant. They have produced four national-level and three international-level athletes for the country, showcasing their commitment to nurturing sporting talent.
Mansi's victory at the World Championships is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the strong wrestling culture in Haryana. The state has consistently produced top-tier wrestlers who have brought laurels to India in various international competitions.
As news of Mansi's gold medal spread, her village erupted in celebrations. Her success story is likely to inspire many young girls in the region to take up wrestling and pursue their dreams in sports. It also highlights the importance of family support and early exposure to sports in shaping world-class athletes.