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Kanhiya Gurjar

Kanhiya Gurjar
File:KanhiyaGurjar.png
Born	10 July 1985 Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Kanhiya Gurjar (born 10 July 1985) is a popular Indian sports personality from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. He is known for his significant contributions to fencing and his work with various school sports organisations in India. Despite facing numerous personal and financial challenges, Kanhiya made a name for himself in the world of sports. He became the Youth Icon of Mathura in 2020 and was appointed as the Director of the South Asian School Sports Federation in 2023.

Throughout his career, Kanhiya trained many youngsters for para-sports and has significantly contributed towards promoting young talent. His challenging journey made him an inspirational figure in the Indian sports community.

Career

1992-1999: Early education and challenges

Kanhiya's love for sports began at an early age. As he grew, his love and passion for sports also increased gradually. In 1992, under the guidance of coach Shri S.K. Rai, he participated in a 600-meter race and secured first place. His early victories met with several challenges, but he preserved his passion for sports. In 1996-97, his coach helped him secure admission to the Sai Hostel in Saifai, Etawah, where he could focus on his training despite financial hardships.

In 1999, his father passed away, placing the responsibility of supporting his family on Kanhiya. He worked various jobs to make ends meet, but his mother and aunt encouraged him to continue his sports career. It was during this period that he discovered fencing through a newspaper article. Recognising the growing popularity of the sport in India, Kanhiya decided to pursue it.

2001-2002:

He met coach Shri Satveer Singh in Karnal, Haryana, who provided him with accommodation, food, and a job to support himself. After rigorous training, Kanhiya won a bronze medal in the Senior National Fencing Championship (2001-02) and a silver medal at the 32nd National Games of India in Hyderabad. He also joined the paramilitary force SSB, where he continued to excel in sports and received several awards, including the DG Dish Award.

2011-2020: Launch of Khelo India Youth Games

In 2011-12, Kanhiya left his paramilitary job to follow his passion for sports full-time. He joined the School Games Federation of India as a field officer. In 2014, he founded the Mathura Sports School to support underprivileged children. In 2016-17, he played a pivotal role in launching the Khelo India School Games in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Government of India. These games have since evolved into the Khelo India Youth Games.

Kanhiya's efforts were recognized in 2017-18 when President Shri Ram Nath Kovind honored him and 15 other student-athletes for winning international medals. Later, he was appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the School Games Federation of India. He continues to offer fencing training in Mathura whenever possible and has coached para-athletes, including Devendra Kumar, who represented India in wheelchair fencing at the 2018 Asian Games.

In 2020, Kanhiya was named the Youth Icon of Mathura for his work in promoting sports, especially para-sports. In 2023, he became the Director of the South Asian School Sports Federation, where he works to promote school sports at national and international levels.

Personal Life

Kanhiya Gurjar was born into a modest family in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. His early life was marked by financial struggles, especially after the passing of his father in 1999. Despite these challenges, Kanhiya's family, particularly his mother and aunt, played a crucial role in supporting and encouraging him to pursue his passion for sports. Today, Kanhiya is recognised not only for his achievements in fencing but also for his dedication to promoting sports among children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. He continues to contribute to the growth of para-sports and school-level athletics in India.

References

1. "Wrestling star Sushil Kumar on the run after school children ‘ill-treated’ in Australia". Hindustan Times. 09 December 2017.
2. "India secure 24 medals at South Asian School Combat Games". The Times of India. 04 Oct 2024.
3. "Kanhiya Gurjar Field officer SGFI". Blogspot. 30 January 2014.