Jammu & Kashmir wrestler overcomes hardship to win first national gold after 14 years of struggle
Punjab Newsline,Sports:
In an inspiring story of grit and determination, Jammu and Kashmir’s Hamam Hussain has scripted a remarkable journey from delivering milk to clinching gold at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026. The 28-year-old wrestler from Jorawar village in Jammu secured the top podium finish in the men’s 79kg freestyle category, marking his first national gold after 14 years of relentless effort.
Hamam’s life has been far from easy. Following the death of his father five years ago, he and his elder brother took on the responsibility of supporting their family by selling milk door-to-door. Despite these challenges, his brother—who once aspired to be a wrestler himself—encouraged Hamam to continue chasing his dreams. From helping with daily chores to stepping into the mud akhada, Hamam balanced survival and ambition with unwavering dedication.
Training under limited resources, Hamam practices in a traditional mud akhada nearly 20 km from his village and often travels around 40 km to Jammu for mat sessions. Without a personal coach, he relies on guidance from senior wrestlers, showcasing his self-driven spirit and hunger to succeed.
His gold medal victory is not just a personal achievement but a symbol of perseverance against odds. Hamam believes that better infrastructure and more opportunities can help many talented athletes from rural and tribal regions rise to national and international levels.
This victory stands as a powerful reminder that determination, hard work, and family support can turn even the toughest circumstances into a pathway to success.