Shauryaveer Yadav Makes History with Gold at National Junior Kurash Championship

In a remarkable achievement for Himachal Pradesh, 16-year-old Shauryaveer Yadav clinched the gold medal at the National Junior Kurash Championship in Patna. This victory not only highlights his talent but also makes him the first international Kurash player from the state. Under the mentorship of Virender Dhaulata, Shauryaveer has quickly risen in the sport, previously earning a medal at the Asian Kurash Championship. His family legacy in sports further adds to his inspiring story, as local officials plan a grand ceremony to celebrate his success. Discover more about this young champion's journey and future prospects.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 10, 2026, 20:44 IST

Historic Victory for Himachal Pradesh

Munish Sood
Mandi

Himachal Pradesh has celebrated a significant achievement in sports as 16-year-old Shauryaveer Yadav from Sundernagar secured the gold medal at the National Junior Kurash Championship, which took place at Patliputra Sports Stadium in Patna, Bihar.

This impressive win not only brings pride to the state but also marks Shauryaveer as the first international Kurash player from Himachal Pradesh. His triumph in the +83 kg Junior Boys category has earned him a spot on the Indian team for the forthcoming World Junior Kurash Championship.

Kurash was introduced into school sports in Himachal Pradesh just two years ago, making Shauryaveer’s accomplishment particularly remarkable in such a brief period.

Previous Achievements

Shauryaveer has previously represented India at the Asian Kurash Championship, where he won a medal, becoming the first athlete from Himachal Pradesh to achieve this honor on an international platform.

Mentorship and Guidance

This groundbreaking success is attributed to the guidance of Virender Singh Dhaulata, who is the founder of Kurash in Himachal Pradesh, the General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Kurash Association, and a Commonwealth Judo medallist.

Currently a Commerce Lecturer in the Education Department, Dhaulata introduced Shauryaveer to Kurash and provided him with the necessary technical skills and discipline.

Dhaulata expressed his pride, stating, “Shauryaveer has demonstrated exceptional talent from the start. We were confident he would secure gold. In the future, he will bring even more accolades for India.”

A Family of Champions

Shauryaveer hails from a notable sporting family. His father, Dr. Sanjay Yadav, is an international athlete and a recipient of the esteemed Parshuram Award, recently honored with the State Teachers’ Award 2024.

His uncle, Jagdish Pehlwan, is a renowned wrestler with prestigious titles such as Himachal Kesari and Himachal Kumar to his name.

Community Support and Recognition

Officials from the Himachal Pradesh Kurash Association, including Chairman Kaushal Mangta, President Dr. Surendra Kulla, Senior Vice-President Surjeet Parmar, Treasurer Hardev Negi, and Mandi Kurash Association General Secretary Dhani Ram, congratulated Shauryaveer on his remarkable achievement. They announced plans for a grand ceremony to honor both the young champion and his coach.

They expressed their belief that Shauryaveer will continue to excel on the global stage, bringing further recognition to both India and Himachal Pradesh.