By Mewati Sitaram
Sandeep Tulsi Yadav, a Ticket Inspector with Western Railway’s Mumbai Division, has been selected as the sole Indian Railways representative for the one-year Diploma in Wrestling Coaching for the academic year 2024–25 at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), Patiala—India’s premier sports training institute. Conducted under the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the specialised programme is designed to equip elite athletes with the skills required for coaching roles at both national and international levels. The diploma, known for its rigorous demands in technical knowledge, physical discipline, and dedication, is scheduled to conclude on July 5, 2025.
“It’s truly a dream come true,” said Sandeep. “The diploma requires complete devotion and technical proficiency. I’ve had to manage early mornings, night shifts, and regular travel for training camps and seminars.”
He added, “I’m especially grateful to the Western Railway administration and my colleagues. Their unwavering support helped make this dream possible.”
At 36, Sandeep continues to serve on the Mumbai–Virar suburban route, where he was recruited under the sports quota. Despite his demanding work schedule, he never let go of his passion for wrestling, dedicating his evenings and weekends to rigorous practice and competitions.
Wrestler Sandeep Yadav with Chief Dr Omprakash
From Chawl to Championship: The Grit Behind the Glory
Born in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, and raised in a cramped chawl in Jogeshwari, Mumbai, Sandeep’s early years were steeped in struggle. After losing his father in 1998, his elder brother, a Central Railway ticket collector, became the family’s sole provider. Sandeep initially trained in freestyle wrestling but later shifted to Greco-Roman under coach Jagmal Singh at SAI Kandivali.
Facing financial difficulties, obscurity, and even thoughts of quitting the sport, Sandeep found strength in his bond with Olympian Narsingh Yadav and the constant encouragement of his coach. This resilience became the foundation of a remarkable comeback.
From Historic Wins to Future Goals: Sandeep’s Journey Continues
Sandeep’s wrestling career reached its pinnacle in 2013, when he made history as the first Indian to win a medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Senior World Wrestling Championships, clinching bronze in the 66 kg category in Budapest. Before this historic feat, he had secured silver at the 2011 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in Melbourne and a gold medal at the 2011 National Championship.
In recognition of these achievements, Sandeep was honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award for 2013–14 by the Government of Maharashtra. The award included a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, a commemorative memento, and lifetime free travel on MSRTC buses. This accolade cemented his reputation as one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated athletes and a pioneer in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Looking Ahead: From Athlete to Coach
Now pursuing the diploma at NSNIS Patiala, Sandeep is preparing for his next chapter—transforming from competitor to coach. Once certified, he will be qualified to coach at national training camps, state-run academies, and even on international platforms. His goal is clear: to give back to the sport that defined his life by nurturing India’s next generation of Greco-Roman champions.
On the personal front, Sandeep is married to Priyanka Yadav, daughter of an Army officer and a software engineer by profession. The couple, along with their young son, continue to stand strong behind his evolving journey—from railway platforms to wrestling podiums, and now, to coaching excellence.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
