1 billion Indian fans, on Solanki’s wrestling shoulders

Sushil Kumar Solanki is in line for a fast track promotion by his employers Indian Railway should he bag India’s first ever wrestling gold medal at London 2012.

After winning bronze in Beijing, the train ticket officer was rewarded with the new title of assistant Commercial Manager.

And if he returns to Delhi from the Excel Centre with the 66kg freestyle title in his luggage he can expect to be named the state railway’s new life president.

Solanki has no pressure on his broad shoulders, aside from the small matter of one billion people rooting for him back home.

In 2008, he became only the second Indian to win Olympic wrestling bronze after Khasaba Jadhav in Helsinki in 1952.

Now he has his sights firmly fixed on the top podium place.

He was then crowned Commonwealth Games champion on home ground a month later.

The 29-year-old is fully aware of the task that lies ahead of him, but is ready to realize his and his nation’s dream.

Sushil Kumar wins gold at World Championship