From Panchgaon to Podium: Rutuja Gurav Strikes Gold at Khelo India Youth Games

May 15, 2025: At just 16, Rutuja Santosh Gurav has scripted a tale of perseverance and passion, clinching a gold medal on her debut at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Bihar. The young wrestler from Panchgaon village in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district powered through the U-17 girls’ 46kg category, showcasing her rising dominance in Indian wrestling.

Rutuja’s journey began at the age of eight when her father, Santosh Gurav, a construction labourer and ardent sports lover, introduced her to a local wrestling academy, walking her two kilometers from their village each day. Though hesitant at first, Rutuja found her spark after watching Aamir Khan’s “Dangal,” a film based on the real-life struggles and triumphs of the Phogat sisters. That cinematic moment changed everything.

Since then, Rutuja’s ascent in the wrestling world has been nothing short of inspiring. She captured gold at the Junior Nationals in 2021, defended her title in 2022, and secured silver at the 2023 Nationals and School Games. Her international debut was marked by a silver medal at the Junior Asian Championships in Thailand.

Despite her growing list of achievements, life at home remains humble. Santosh, who earns about ₹15,000 a month, works tirelessly to support Rutuja’s dreams, while her mother contributes an additional ₹6,000 from her job at a grocery store. The family also supports Rutuja’s elder sister, who is currently studying law.

For Santosh, attending Rutuja’s matches is a non-negotiable priority, even if it means forgoing income. “Sometimes I work 12 hours a day, even overtime, to cover our expenses. But I never miss her competitions,” he says. “The Khelo India scholarship will be a blessing—it will take care of her training, nutrition, and equipment. It means everything to us.”

At the KIYG, Rutuja began her campaign with a 3-1 win over Khushi (Delhi), dominated the semifinal 4-0 against Rupa Kumari (Bihar), and overcame a tense final against Annu (Haryana) with another 3-1 victory to clinch gold. Bronze medals in the category were awarded to Khushi (Delhi) and Kashish Gurjar (Rajasthan).

Rutuja’s triumph is not just an individual achievement—it is a symbol of a family’s unwavering belief, resilience, and the power of dreams nurtured through sacrifice and struggle. With her eyes now set on greater heights, Rutuja Gurav is one of India’s brightest hopes in wrestling.