Greco-Roman wrestler
While the final result saw him narrowly miss the top spot, the achievement represents a significant milestone for the wrestler. His path to the continental stage was far from conventional, defined by years of physical labor and a determined return to the sport following a serious injury during his teenage years.
From Daily Labor to International Success
Nitesh’s path to the Asian Games was interrupted at age 15 when he underwent a knee operation. During his recovery, he began assisting his father in the family milk business, a demanding role that required him to travel 40 kilometers to Panipat daily. For two years, between 2017 and 2019, he maintained a grueling 12-hour schedule, waking at 5 a.m. and returning home at 5 p.m. without a single day off.
Reflecting on those years, Nitesh noted that his father encouraged him to join the business to avoid being alone at home during his recovery. However, his ambition to compete remained strong. Eventually, he requested his family’s permission to dedicate himself fully to wrestling, asking for a six-month window to prove his potential. Upon receiving their support, he resumed his training at Pratap School in Kharkhoda, where he received guidance from coaches Om Prakash Dahiya and Sandeep.
A Rising Career in Greco-Roman Wrestling
Since returning to the sport, Nitesh has steadily climbed the ranks of international wrestling. After shifting his focus to the Greco-Roman style following his knee surgery, he opted to compete exclusively on the mat rather than participating in traditional 'Dangal' events. This strategic focus has yielded consistent results, including a bronze medal at the 2022 U23 World Championships and another bronze at the Asian Championships earlier this year.
Looking ahead, Nitesh remains focused on his long-term goal of becoming a world champion. He also expressed a desire to see greater visibility for his discipline, specifically calling for the inclusion of Greco-Roman wrestling in the Pro Wrestling League. Maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, the wrestler credits his performance to a traditional, largely vegetarian diet consisting of homemade paneer, butter, and churma, supplemented occasionally with chicken.
