Yogeshwar Dutt wants a gold

Unlike Jitu, the man carrying India’s hopes in the 66 kg wrestling category makes it clear that he is “going for a gold”. Yogeshwar Dutt can afford to say it as he has already proved his mettle with a bronze in London.

“Gold hi chahiye (I only want gold),” says the simpleton who still swears by his three litres of milk and lassi everyday.

Five surgeries haven’t dampened Dutt’s spirit, who will be competing in his fourth Olympics. In his 14-year-career, his ability to stay focused and rise above the odds have stood out.

At the 2006 Doha Asian Games, Dutt returned to compete two days after his father’s funeral and finished with a gold. From finishing 18th in 2004 Athens to ninth in Beijing four years later, Dutt went on to claim a bronze at the previous edition. “I wasn’t very happy with my bronze medal in London. I had decided that day itself that I need to do better,” says Yogeshwar.