Commonwealth Heavyweight Gold Medalist Wrestling Sangram is known for his perseverance and determination in the championship. He aims to make a strong mark in this challenging sport. His participation is significant as he will become the first Indian male wrestler to feature on the main fight card at the Global Martial Arts Association (GAMA) Championship.
Confident of his abilities, Sangram is hopeful of finishing the match against his Pakistani opponent in the first round itself.
timesofindia.com In an exclusive interview with Sangram he shared details about his wrestling journey, his decision to move to MMA and his plans for this much-awaited debut.
Why did Sangram Singh choose MMA?
I have been a wrestler all my life. Wrestling has given me a lot. In Haryana, if you are a wrestler, you are respected a lot. And it has been there since the beginning. I have seen this respect for wrestlers since my childhood. I used to watch wrestlers very closely – their game, their techniques, their moves – and that is how I decided to become a wrestler. I just wanted to become a wrestler. First of all, I worked on my body and fitness and slowly started walking on the path of becoming a wrestler. I did not have much money. I used to get 1 rupee for a bout in my village. My guruji used to give me 1 rupee for a bout. My sister or mother used to stitch my loincloth for bouts and make me practice. I worked very hard to reach this level. I remember the time when I used to fight a bout for just 50 rupees and would struggle even for breakfast.
Now, I have chosen MMA. It is an emerging sport, and that is why I have chosen it. It took me a lot of time to choose this dangerous sport, but now I am determined to do something different in MMA. Today, youth prefer only two sports- football and MMA. MMA is a combat sport. At this age, I have chosen this sport, and I am confident that I will do well. I had many discussions with my cousins, family and coaches. They all said that there will be a lot of injuries in this sport. I said, “We will see.” I am really excited for my new journey. I follow only one principle in life: ‘Being normal is boring, go crazy about everything.’ I want to inspire the youth of my country.
This match is not just a match – it is India vs Pakistan. Do you feel any extra pressure?
Obviously, there will be pressure. When it comes to India vs Pakistan, there is bound to be pressure. This is a tough sport. One thing I have noticed is that wrestlers have been very successful in this sport. Rutu has performed well for India. There is pressure, but I am ready for this big challenge. Whatever happens, we will see. I am ready for this big fight and my new journey. I am a pure vegetarian. I eat ghee and drink milk. I exercise for 6-7 hours daily. I keep myself fit. This is the most important thing. I try to stay positive in mind, body and soul.
What is your plan against your Pakistani opponent?
A wrestler has a strong grip. This is my plan. I will tire him out and go for submission. If I can catch him and get a strong grip on him, I will go for submission. This is my strategy. Submission will be a plus point for me. I will try to finish the fight in the first round itself.
Is age just a number for Sangram Singh?
It’s all about self-belief. Not just for Sangram Singh, but for everyone, age is just a number. If you have self-belief, you can do anything. Workout, exercise and keep yourself fit. Just love your body and take care of it. I know MMA is a young sport, but I have done a lot to adapt to this sport. I love nature and I live by it. I wake up by nature and make my daily schedule accordingly. I don’t drink tea or coffee. I eat by nature and never skip meals. Age is just a number, but the way I live, it feels like I am 14 or 15 years old.
How will your wrestling background benefit you in MMA?
I always wanted to do something that will make people remember me as wrestler Sangram Singh and not just Sangram Singh. Wrestling has given me a lot; it has given Sangram Singh his identity. A champion is not someone who stays on top or wins trophies. A champion is someone who keeps trying, who falls, gets up and then pursues his dreams or goals.
Wrestlers who become MMA fighters always have an upper hand. The reason for this is that wrestlers have the strongest grip in the world. I will use all my wrestling experience in MMA.
Have you had a chance to study your Pakistani opponent?
I haven’t read much about him. But my coach sahab saw his stats and told me a lot about him. My reply to coach sahab was, “Coach sahab, aap bata rahe ho ya darra rahe ho?” (Are you telling me or scaring me?). He is bulky, and has a different body type. He has an MMA background. I am making my debut. But I am ready for this big challenge.
What was your family’s reaction when you told them you were getting into MMA?
Interestingly, neither Payal ji (my wife) nor my mother know about MMA. They don’t know what MMA is. Only my nephews know about MMA. They are all excited.
