Close X
Thursday, December 12, 2024
ADVT 
Spotlight

Khushi Kaur Jhalli: Wrestling's Young Phenomenon

Monica Sethi Darpan, 03 Oct, 2024
  • Khushi Kaur Jhalli: Wrestling's Young Phenomenon

Khushi Kaur Jhalli, a 15-year-old wrestling prodigy from Surrey, has already made an indelible mark on the Canadian sports scene. Attending Guildford Park Secondary School, Khushi has emerged as a formidable force in the 69kg weight category, earning three national medals. Recently, she added a prestigious silver medal from the Pan American Championships in the Dominican Republic to her collection, further solidifying her status as a rising star.

Khushi's journey into wrestling began four years ago, inspired by her father, a kabaddi enthusiast. Despite initially lacking enthusiasm due to the sport's challenging nature, Khushi's determination and perseverance soon saw her embracing wrestling wholeheartedly. "At first, I didn't like it because it was really hard, but then I started focusing on it, and now I really like it because I'm good at it," she shares. Her daily routine shows her dedication, with two hours of morning practice followed by four hours in the evening.

Her short-term goal is to clinch the world championship title, while her long-term aspiration is to win gold at the Olympics. "I know that I need to practice hard to get there, so I focus on that," she says, illustrating her unwavering commitment.

Competitions like the Pan American Championships are nerve-wracking, and Khushi often faces older and stronger opponents. Despite being one of the youngest competitors, her resolve remains unshaken. "I get nervous a lot from the tournaments. Sometimes it's hard because the girls are stronger or older than me," she admits. Yet, she thrives on the pressure, focusing on her performance rather than the competition.

Khushi's rigorous training schedule is both gruelling and disciplined. Her typical day starts at 5 AM, with morning training sessions followed by evening practices at her club. This disciplined approach extends beyond the mat, as she maintains a balance between her sport and academics.

Sponsorship remains a critical aspect of her journey. Financial support is essential due to the high costs associated with participating in international tournaments. Khushi points out that while the Canadian government does not sponsor her trips, sponsorships can help alleviate the financial burden.

She advises young athletes, especially those from the South Asian community, to embrace sports. "Just join a sport because I didn't want to join wrestling at first. But then, once I joined, it's like my life now," she encourages. Her journey showcases the transformative power of sports, instilling discipline, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

As Khushi prepares for the World Wrestling Championship in Jordan, her eyes are set on greater achievements. With her family's unwavering support, especially from her father and brother, Khushi Kaur Jhalli is poised to continue her ascent in the wrestling world.

MORE Spotlight ARTICLES

Powered by Family, Supported by Community Meet Weightlifting Prodigy: Angel Billen

Powered by Family, Supported by Community Meet Weightlifting Prodigy: Angel Billen

Angel Billen is not your typical 15-year-old, having already made a name for herself in the world of weightlifting. Entering the world of weightlifting at just 6 years old, Angel has won many provincial, national and international medals till date.

A Pathbreaker's Journey Mannu Sandhu: Pioneering South Asian Cinema through ISAFF and Beyond

A Pathbreaker's Journey Mannu Sandhu: Pioneering South Asian Cinema through ISAFF and Beyond

Born in India and raised in Vancouver, Sandhu's journey from a correctional officer to an accomplished actress, model, and community activist is a testament to her unwavering determination and commitment to bringing about positive change. Today, Sandhu is not just a shining star in the entertainment industry but also a leading force behind the International South Asian Film Festival (ISAFF), which celebrates diversity and inclusion through the power of storytelling.

Kamal Sharma: A Cultural Trailblazer Preserving South Asian Heritage

Kamal Sharma: A Cultural Trailblazer Preserving South Asian Heritage

From being the first person to sell original Bollywood movie prints to hosting entertainment shows that garnered a cult following among ethnic communities to introducing concerts that brought legendary South Asian artists to Vancouver, Kamal has been a pioneer in shaping the South Asian cultural landscape.

Singh with Style: Tejeshwar Singh

Singh with Style: Tejeshwar Singh

Style consultant, influencer, and model Tejeshwar Singh is often recognized as the first turbaned Sikh to be featured in many of the spaces he works in. Since childhood, Singh exhibited a keen interest in fashion, passionately selecting his clothes, with his father often capturing his oomph-factor moments through photographs.

Ashlyen Singh: Empowering Girls through Sports and Leadership

Ashlyen Singh: Empowering Girls through Sports and Leadership

In April 2023, Ashlyen Singh won the BC School Sports Women in Sports & Leadership Award, recognizing their commitment to student-athletes and school sports. Besides teaching at school, Ashlyen also runs Abbotsford Basketball Association (ABA), a non-profit organization they co-founded with their partner, Dylan Kular, to make basketball and quality programming accessible to children at an affordable price.

Documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja: “You have to be very comfortable in chaos.”

Documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja: “You have to be very comfortable in chaos.”

To Kill a Tiger initially started as a different film, focusing on an NGO creating awareness among men and boys about women’s rights. In an exclusive interview, Pahuja shares what it was like to direct To Kill a Tiger.