Delhi’s wrestling pride, Satpal Singh, embodies the spirit of Mahabali – mighty and unyielding. Celebrating his birthday tomorrow, this 1955-born icon didn’t just wrestle; he revolutionized the sport as player and coach. His story is one of relentless pursuit, turning raw talent into Olympic gold.
Trained rigorously at Hanuman Akhara by the legendary Guru Hanuman, Satpal exploded onto the scene at 19. His silver at Christchurch Commonwealth Games 1974 was followed by more in Alberta 1978 and Brisbane 1982. Asian Games triumphs – bronze Tehran, silver Bangkok, gold Delhi 1982 heavyweight – solidified his status. The 1980 Olympics saw him battle in freestyle 100kg.
In pehlwani circuits, Satpal was invincible: 16-time national champ, winner of Bharat Kesari, Rustam-e-Hind twice, Mahabharat Kesari, and a slew of others up to Bharat Balram in 1979. Known as Mahabali Satpal, his dominance was absolute.
Post-retirement, coaching at Chhatrasal Stadium since 1988 became his new battlefield. This center churns out world-beaters. Sushil Kumar’s dual Olympic medals, Yogeshwar Dutt’s bronze, Ravi Dahiya’s Tokyo gold, and Amit Dahiya’s international silvers all trace back to Satpal’s wisdom.
Awards poured in: Arjuna 1974, Padma Shri 1983, Dronacharya 2009, Padma Bhushan 2015. At 70, Satpal’s fire burns bright, mentoring India’s future wrestling dynamos with the same fervor that defined his career.