जुनून पहलवानी का बिक्रम फिरोजाबाद

I have written a lot about Vikram Pahlwan. His father has sacrificed everything to make him a good wrestler, even selling a piece of land to provide food for him. He has become the best wrestler in his district, winning the Jila Kesari title many times. He has never lost a bout. Having crushed all the local wrestlers time after time, they have to bring in wrestling from outside his town to give him a challenge.Now Vikram needs a support. He needs funds to enable him to continue his training. With theright support, he could hone his skills further and win many big cash prizes.As it stands, politics and inadequate training facilities are hampering his career. Recently heapplied for admission to Safai, the sports training facility, where he defeated many opponents in his trials. But for some reason, he wasn’t admitted.He even sought help from a famous wrestler who took him to national camps, but rather than helping Vikram, the wrestler merely used him to help with his own training, costing Vikram precious practice time.Now the question is: What will happen to Vikram’s wrestling career?Vikram has been instrumental in promoting kushti culture around his town, drawing huge crowds of fans eager to watch him thrash all his challengers.When I reached Vikram’s home at Firozabad, his father welcomed me, but was visibly distressed by financial matters.He has to save money for the marriage of Vikram’s sister, he must arrange water for his crops, and above all he needs to cover the expenses for Vikram’s diet.As I milked a cow whose milk is only source ofprotein for the vegetarian wrestler, Vikram’s father told me the situation is grim and they need help with funds.I went to watch Vikram wrestle in dangals at Marghati and at Angadpur. At Marghati he easily pinned an inferior wrestler, while at Angadpur he had to wrestle an opponent who was much bigger and heavier. Still, Vikram held his own and while he didn’t pin the much bigger wrestler, the match eventually ended in a draw.The story of Vikram Pahlwan is much the same as for every wrestler around Firozabad. The government shows no concern or support for these great athletes. Many of them becomeso disappointed by this neglect they turn to drinking. It is heartbreaking to watch.Vikram will not go down this path. His spirit and his love of kushti are too strong. But he needs financial support.