The 11th South Asian Games (SAG) silver medalist has been wrestling since he was eight and is the leading wrestler of Nepal, representing the country for the 16th Asian Games (Asiad) to be held in China in November. [break]
The game has never let Nepal down since its inclusion in the 4th edition of the SAG, yet gold in SAG and any success in Asiad still remain elusive. “I am working hard to improve in terms of techniques, strategies, power or whatever defects my guru (teacher) sees in my game.” Yadav said adding “I want to give my best in China.”
Moved by his father Brij Kishwor Yadav, former national gold medalist, Yadav junior is toiling hard everyday two hours in the morning and evening with his wrestling partners Nagendra Yadav, Deba Yadav and Rajesh Saran Yadav, under the instruction of his mentor Bidya Sagar Pokharel. Yadav has been the national champion for the past three years. He fights in 120 kg heavyweight category.
“He must improve his technical skills and build up strong mindset,” said Pokharel who had also coached Yadav´s father. Pokharel too is optimistic about the best result in China and hopes for a medal, if luck favors.
Wrestling has been a part of folk culture in the Terai, principally in the Yadav community. And, the culture set a platform for Satyendra Yadav. He has listed his name as the national player after securing the second position in a wrestling tournament in Birgunj in 2005 and has never had to look back.
However, both the wrestler and his mentor express their unhappiness as government support to them has only been lukewarm.
Until now, the game does not have proper training center and Pokharel has been conducting trainings at the first floor of the Satdobato Shooting Range. Moreover, wrestling lacks level-1 coach in the country.
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