Ravi Kapoor: “Coming to Kurash, I felt I was in the right place, surrounded by people close to my heart”

— Mr. Kapoor, let’s start with your early days in sports and your first introduction to the world of Kurash.

— I live in Delhi, the capital of India. My journey in sports goes back a long way; I began practicing judo in 1977. Kurash was introduced to India in 1999 by a delegation from Uzbekistan. At that time, Kurash demonstrations and competitions were being held across various states of India. That was when I joined the movement as an organizer. In 2000, under the leadership of Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Kurash was officially registered in India, and from then on, tournaments at various levels began to take place.

— How did your international career and your path as a technical official evolve over the years?

— My professional journey truly gained momentum in 2002 when we organized the Asian Kurash Championship in Delhi. Since then, I have never looked back, dedicated to taking Kurash to the next level. My first international experience was participating in the 2003 Senior Asian Championship in Tehran, Iran. From 2017 to 2021, I served as the Technical Director of the KCAO. Currently, I hold the position of Director of the Technical and Referees Committee of the International Kurash Association (IKA).

— You often speak fondly of your visit to the homeland of Kurash. What are your memories of Uzbekistan?

— In 2004, I visited Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan — the cradle of Kurash. Although it is a small city, the people there were so sincere and welcoming that every guest felt at home. Most participants actually stayed in the homes of local residents. This reflected their immense, boundless love for Kurash. It left a deep impression on me; it was at that moment I realized I was in the right place, amidst exciting competitions and surrounded by people close to my heart. I have been involved in many sports, but I must emphasize that I have never witnessed such discipline, dedication, and honesty as I have in Kurash.

— What impact has your leadership had on the development of Kurash among the youth in India?

— Under my guidance, since 2015, Kurash has been included in regional school games for children aged 14–17 and youth under 19. To date, I have organized 7 National Championships for the U-14 category, 11 for the U-20 category, and 13 for adults. Furthermore, we have successfully hosted the Asian Championships three times (2002, 2012, 2018), the World Junior Championships twice (2010, 2016), and a major international refereeing and coaching seminar in 2023.

— You have received significant personal recognition. Could you share some of your proudest achievements?

— I am incredibly proud to have been named the "Best Referee in the World" by the IKA on two occasions. Under my leadership, my fellow citizens have also been recognized: Neena Saini received the Best Coach award, and Vikrant Kumar was honored as the Best Referee. A major milestone was in 2018, when Kurash was officially included in the Asian Games in Jakarta. I was overjoyed when our Indian girls won two medals — one silver and one bronze.

— Looking ahead, how do you see the future of Kurash on the global stage?

— Since Mr. Haider Farman became IKA President in 2013, Kurash has shown excellent growth in every aspect. I am grateful to him for ensuring Kurash remains in the Asian Games program until 2034. I believe the day Kurash joins the Olympic Games is very close.

I must also acknowledge Mr. Ziyoviddin Khodjaniyozov and Mr. Reza Nassiri, who have supported my professional growth from the very beginning. Mr. Ziyoviddin promotes Kurash globally, while Mr. Nassiri provides essential technical support. My gratitude also goes to the Ministry of Sports of Uzbekistan and the Uzbekistan Kurash Federation for the high-level organization of WSP tournaments, which helps increase global participation. Finally, I thank Mr. Khabibulla Tadjiev, Rector of the IKI, and his team for their tireless work on Kurash terminology and methodology. His integrity and dedication are turning Kurash into one of the best sports in the world.