'His Perspective Was Unique...': Sangram Singh Recounts Memorable Meeting with PM Narendra Modi

At the Gama International Fighting Championship on September 21, 2024, at Heroes Square 1 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sangram Singh, India's premier male wrestler and former Ambassador of the Wrestling Federation of India (2014–2015), is set to square off Pakistan's Ali Raza Nasir. With his MMA debut, Singh's career represents not only his successful change from wrestling to mixed martial arts but also his dedication to popularising the sport among the young people in India. By exploring the MMA scene, Singh hopes to provide aspirant young athletes wishing to join the realm of combat sports a clear career road.

With wins in the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship in both 2015 and 2016 and the title of World's Best Professional Wrestler in 2012, Sangram Singh has had an extraordinary wrestling career.

Also Read: 'It Was a Challenging Time': Manu Bhaker Reflects on Lessons Learned from Tokyo Olympics

Sangram Singh shares his experience of meeting with PM Narendra Modi 

Sangram Singh thought back on his unforgettable meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a discussion with the Republic. Thinking back on their first encounter in 2015 and other exchanges on different occasions, Singh described the special opportunity of being called to Parliament by the Prime Minister. He underlined Modi's perceptive viewpoint and first-hand familiarity with him, including specifics about Singh's hometown. Emphasising the Prime Minister's motivating effect on everyone, Singh expressed respect for Modi's commitment and hard work. Sangram Singh said: 

“I met the Prime Minister back in 2015, and since then we've met one or two more times at different programs. But especially, he invited me to Parliament in 2015, which was a completely different experience. I meet a lot of people, but his perspective was unique; he knew things about me that I didn't even know myself. He shared a lot of insights with me, even told me about the well in my village where he used to bathe. To see someone at his level putting in so much hard work really shows how deserving he is, and how much effort he's put in. He’s such a huge inspiration for all of us.”

As Sangram Singh awaits his MMA debut this month, it is anticipated that he will eye glory against Ali Raza. Giving the fans another spectacle to enjoy of India vs Pakistan.