Yogeshwar Dutt is an Indian wrestling player, who has made a name for himself in the world of sports. He was born on November 2, 1982, in the village of Bhainswal Kalan in the Sonipat district of Haryana, India.
Yogeshwar Dutt is popularly known as Yogi and Pahalwanji, and his name is recorded in many big competitions including the Olympics.
Yogeshwar Dutt’s journey to becoming a wrestler began when he was just eight years old. He started his training at the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi under the guidance of coach Satpal Singh. He soon proved his mettle and began to participate in various national and international tournaments.
In 2003, Yogeshwar Dutt made his international debut at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in London, where he won a bronze medal. This was just the beginning of his successful career as a wrestler.
He went on to win several medals in various national and international tournaments, including the Asian Wrestling Championship, the Commonwealth Games, and the World Wrestling Championship.
| Name | Yogeshwar Dutt |
| Nickname | Manish Pahalwan, Yogi, Pahalwanji |
| Professions | Freestyle wrestler and politician |
| Coach/Mentor | Ramphal and Master Satbir Singh |
| Date of birth | 2 November 1982 |
| Age | 40 yrs (as of 2022) |
| Marital status | Married |
| Hometown | Bhainswal Kalan, Gohana, Sonipat, Haryana |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Language | Hindi, English, Haryanavi |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac sign | Scorpio |
| Favorite actor | Amitabh Bachchan, Randeep Hudda |
| Hobbies | Football |
Family
| Father’s name | Ram Mehar Dutt |
| Mother’s name | Sushila Devi |
| Brother | Mukesh Dutt |
| Wife | Sheetal Sharma |
| Son | Yogit Yogeshwar Dutt |
Physique
| Height | 170 cm/ 1.70 m/ 5’5” feet |
| Weight | 60 kg/ 132 lbs |
| Chest | 44 inches |
| Waist | 34 inches |
| Biceps | 15 inches |
| Eye color | Black |
| Hair color | Black |
Early Life
As a young boy, Yogeshwar Dutt was determined to succeed, and at the age of 14, he made the daily journey by train to the famous Chhatrasal Stadium in New Delhi to pursue his passion for wrestling. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Yogeshwar continued to train hard and never gave up on his dream.
In 2004, at the Athens Olympics, Yogeshwar faced fierce competition from Japanese grappler Chikara Tanabe and 2000 Sydney gold medalist Abdullayev of Azerbaijan. Although he lacked experience in both matches, Yogeshwar remained undaunted and continued to pursue his passion.
Tragedy struck in 2006 when Yogeshwar’s father passed away just nine days before the Asian Games in Doha. Despite this setback, Yogeshwar paid tribute to his father by winning a bronze medal despite a knee injury.
Yogeshwar’s passion for wrestling was not always supported by his family, but he persevered and went on to win a bronze medal in the 60 kg weight category at the 2012 London Olympics, making his country and family proud.
This made him one of only 5 male wrestlers in India to win an Olympic medal. His victory was celebrated throughout the country, and he became an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers.
In recognition of his achievements, Yogeshwar was honored by the Government of India with the Khel Ratna (2012) and Padma Shri (2013) awards.
He continued to bring glory to India by winning gold medals in the 65 kg category at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and Glasgow Commonwealth Games, as well as a bronze medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games and a gold medal at the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Throughout his career, Yogeshwar remained dedicated to wrestling, and he credits his success to this sport which is an integral part of his life. His Olympic bronze medal win will always hold a special place in his heart, and his journey serves as an inspiration to all those who dare to dream and persevere in the face of adversity.
Apart from wrestling, Yogeshwar Dutt has also been actively involved in social causes. He has been vocal about issues such as corruption, education, and women’s empowerment. He has also supported various campaigns and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people.
Yogeshwar Dutt announced his retirement from wrestling in August 2016, ending a successful career spanning over a decade. He has been honored with several awards and accolades for his contributions to the sport of wrestling, including the Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
Political career
Yogeshwar joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in September 2019.
Awards, and recognition
Olympic Games
- 2012 London: 60 kg freestyle – Bronze Medel
Asian Games
- 2006 Doha: 60 kg freestyle – Bronze Medel
- 2014 Incheon: 65 kg freestyle – Gold Medel
Commonwealth Games
- 2010 Delhi: 60 kg freestyle – Gold Medel
- 2014 Glasgow: 65 kg freestyle – Gold Medel
Asian Championships
- 2008 Jeju City: 60 kg freestyle – Gold Medel
- 2012 Gumi: 60 kg freestyle – Gold Medel
Commonwealth Championship
- 2003 London: 55 kg freestyle – Gold Medel
- 2005 Cape Town: 60 kg freestyle – Gold Medel
- 2005 Cape Town: 60 kg Greco-Roman – Silver Medel
- 2007 London: 60 kg freestyle – Gold Medel
- 2007 London: 60 kg Greco-Roman – Silver Medel
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2012 by the Government of India for the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
- ₹10 million (US$130,000) cash reward from the Haryana Government.
- 4×4 vehicle from a PSU bank
In conclusion, Yogeshwar Dutt is a legendary wrestler and a true icon of Indian sports. His dedication, hard work, and perseverance have made him one of the most successful wrestlers in the country. He continues to inspire generations of aspiring wrestlers and is a true role model for all.
