In the Indian history of sports, we have seen many players who get timely recognition and fame, but there are some players who just fade away with time or are never recognized for their achievements. Khashaba Jadhav was one of the first Indian who made India proud at the Olympics, as a Wrestler. This week, Reportaaz explores the story of Khashaba Jadhav, a famous Wrestling Champion of his times, on Sunday, 1st September 2013 at 11:30 am & 8.30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.
Born in a small village in Karad taluka of Maharashtra Khashaba grew up in a household of wrestlers. Since childhood he always had inclination towards sports like weightlifting, swimming, running, and gymnastics. His father Dadasaheb was a wrestling coach himself and taught Khashaba wrestling from the tender age. Despite being the youngest in the family he managed to grasp the game. He began as an emerging player in wrestling and soon was competing in national events. In 1952, Jadhav became the first Indian to win the bronze medal at Helsinki Games. For Jadhav participating in international games was not easy, he had to overcome many obstacles to participate in the Olympics. He would collect funds from friends, teachers, and students. He became a rising star with his win at the London Olympics in the year 1948 defeating the Australian wrestler. He was honored with several awards like Foundation Jeevan Gaurav Award in 1983, the Meghnath Nageshwar Award in 1990, the Shiv Chhatrapati Award in 1993 and the Arjuna Award in 2001.
At the age of 58, this great champion died in an accident. But till date his family looks for fare recognition of his achievement. Tune into Reportaaz as we explore more about this Wrestling Champion and his fond memories on Sunday, 1st September 2013 at 11:30 am & 8.30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.