Rupinder Kaur Sandhu is a Punjabi wrestler who has won many gold medals in several National Games in Australia. She has also represented Australia in the 2014 Commonwealth Games held at Glasgow, Scotland.
Rupinder won Gold Medal in 48kg wrestling division in this year’s Australian National Championships held in Sydney.
“I had no plans to compete earlier. But I couldn’t resist once I knew that the competition was the first stage of the two-part qualification process for selection for the Gold Coast 2018 commonwealth games,” said Ms Kaur in an interview with .
Rupinder Kaur migrated to Australia ten years ago from Punjab, India.
“In Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games, I competed in 53kg division, which is not my category. I was overweight by 200gms in 48kg division, a reason why had to choose 53kg category at the last minute.”
“Now I am very optimistic to play and win in the 48kg division at the Gold Coast 2018 commonwealth games."
“A few months back, I returned to wrestling ring after two years. I have a 15 months old daughter ‘Saheb’ who is also my inspiration to do better and better.”
“This is the first time since 2015 that I've competed in the wrestling ring. The competition had more than 150 participants. There’re not many in women category. But I am glad that the women number is picking pace now.”
“Although, I was nervous at the start of the tournament. But I am glad that I had both my victories within a few minutes. I knew that at times, technique and experience count more than physical strength.”
“After Saheb’s birth, I had to take a substantial weight cut. I had a caesarean C-section delivery and I had to think twice to return to the wrestling ring as you need a fairly significant period of time to recover and play an active sport.”
“My doctor suggested that I should be careful while doing a high-impact sport within a few months of giving birth. But at the same time, he said that it is doable if I am passionate, physically strong and a bit cautious.”
“I am highly thankful to my wrestling coach for his able guidance to achieve this success. He has the best skills when it comes to teach techniques and to bring positive energy in the ring."
Source: Supplied
“The former Wrestling Federation President Kuldip Bassi has always supported me throughout my sporting venture.”
“My family especially my husband has been really kind to help me achieve my dreams. It is amazing to see their support throughout this sporting journey.”
“I would also like to say a word of thanks to the Australian Wrestling Association who helped me gain Permanent Residency is sports category. This wouldn’t have been possible without my four years’ continuous performance and Gold Medals at the National level. They were very kind to acknowledge it."
“I was also given Australian citizenship within a month to represent Australia at an international level. No wonder, playing for Australia gives me a sense of pride and achievement,” said Mrs Kaur.
Rupinder Kaur represented Australia at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Source: Supplied
