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.