"People said, ‘After marriage, how will she wrestle?’ — but I proved them wrong with every takedown."
1. Your journey into wrestling began after marriage—quite an unconventional path. What inspired you to step into the wrestling arena?
I started my wrestling journey after getting married. At the time, I was studying at Delhi University. One day, my sports teacher noticed my athletic potential and encouraged me to give wrestling a shot. She told me, “We don’t have a wrestling team here, but you can join one outside. You’ll get a tracksuit and even have opportunities to travel for competitions.”
Initially, I hesitated. I remember telling her, “Because of this idea, I might get scolded by my parents.” But she explained the rules simply: “There’s a circle. Push your opponent out of it, and you score a point.” Motivated by her guidance, I entered my first match and won 10-0. That win lit a spark in me.
Eventually, I sought permission from my parents and in-laws. They agreed, with one condition: “You can wrestle, but don’t neglect your studies.” And that’s how it all began.
2. You faced hardships early in life. How did those challenges shape your resilience as an athlete?
I’ve faced struggles from a very young age. When I was about 11 or 12, I lost my mother to breast cancer. A few years later, my father also passed away. After that, I moved in with my maternal grandparents.
When I was in Class 11 or 12, they started looking for a groom for me. But I had different plans—I wanted to study and build a life for myself. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I was fortunate to marry into a supportive family. My in-laws encouraged both my education and wrestling. That support became the foundation of my resilience.
3. You’ve won the prestigious Bharat Kesari title twice. What were the defining moments of those victories?
I won the Bharat Kesari title for the first time in 2018. That victory meant a lot to me because I had worked incredibly hard to prepare for it. What made it even more special was that I started directly at the senior level, despite having taken up wrestling only after marriage.
There was a lot of criticism from people in my village. They didn’t understand why a daughter-in-law was being encouraged to pursue wrestling. Some even mocked it as a passing phase. But when I won Bharat Kesari, all that hard work paid off. It silenced the doubters and validated my journey.
4. Starting your wrestling career later than most, did you face skepticism? How did you overcome it?
Absolutely. Right from the beginning, there was skepticism—especially about my attire. In villages, people are often judgmental, and since wrestling involves training in sportswear, I was criticized for what I wore. Some even questioned how I could wrestle after marriage.
But I had unwavering support from my husband and in-laws. While outsiders taunted me—saying things like, “She won’t continue after marriage”—I stayed focused.
I’ve also dealt with serious injuries. I had ACL surgery in 2021 and underwent back surgery in 2024. Recovery wasn’t easy, and people would say, “It’s over for her.” But I never gave up. I fought back with courage, and that’s what keeps me going.
5. How do you stay strong—mentally and physically—during tough times?
I’m a very spiritual person and a strong believer in karma. I have deep faith in God, especially Lord Hanuman. Ever since I lost my mother in childhood, I’ve felt a close connection to him.
I believe everything happens for a reason. So, I focus on giving 100%—whether it’s training or my personal life. That mindset helps me stay calm and grounded. I don't stress too much because I trust that if I’m doing the right things, the results will follow.
Also, I’m blessed with a supportive family and community. Their love and encouragement give me strength. I consider all of it a blessing from God.
6. What are some common misconceptions about wrestling, especially for women?
There are quite a few. Earlier, people believed that very few girls took up wrestling, but that’s changing fast. Today, many girls are entering the sport with passion and confidence.
Another misconception is that wrestlers don’t have personal lives—that we’re just athletes 24/7. But that’s not true. A wrestler can be a mother, a daughter, a sister. The same goes for male wrestlers. We live full, rich lives outside the mat.
People also assume that because we look strong, we must be aggressive or unfriendly. But in reality, wrestlers are some of the kindest, most humble people you’ll meet.
7. How do you unwind and recharge after an intense match or training session?
Recovery is key after intense training. The most important things are proper nutrition and sleep. Eating the right food and maintaining a good sleep schedule makes a huge difference.
But above all, discipline is what helps me recover and grow. You need to know when to train, when to rest, what to eat—everything has to be in balance. Motivation might come and go, but discipline keeps you consistent. And that consistency leads to great matches and steady improvement.
Bio:
Rounak Gulia is a celebrated Indian professional wrestler and a two-time Bharat Kesari titleholder. A six-time state champion and three-time national medalist, she began her wrestling journey after marriage—boldly breaking societal norms and proving her mettle in a male-dominated sport. Known for her resilience, Rounak has battled personal loss, injuries, and skepticism to rise as an inspiring force in Indian wrestling. She has also featured on the Discovery Channel’s reality series India’s Ultimate Warrior, further cementing her reputation as a fierce athlete and role model. Beyond the mat, she actively supports fellow athletes and advocates for proper nutrition in sports.
Interviewed by: Shrishti Chandra
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
.jpeg)
){kind=link}
0 Comments