The journey of Mohammad Luqman Ali from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to the threshold of international wrestling glory — is nothing short of inspiring.
A native of Moharka Patti in Amroha district, Luqman’s dream of representing India at the Olympics is fueled by passion, perseverance, and the early encouragement of his father and mother.
Luqman’s foray into wrestling began during his primary school days, when he first entered a local dangal. “I didn’t win, but I received a chocolate and Rs. 100. That reward still means a lot to me,” he recalls fondly. It was a humble beginning, but one that sparked a fire within.
From that first bout, Luqman went on to win several national championships. In 2023, he represented India in the 82 kg category at an international tournament in Thailand. Alongside his sporting career, Luqman is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi.
Luqman’s father, Chajjo Ali, a former wrestler and railway employee, was his first inspiration. “My father admired a colleague who was a local pahalwan and often spoke of him with pride,” Luqman says. As the youngest of five siblings, he became the focus of his father’s dream to see at least one child follow in his footsteps.
This dream found roots in the akhada near their home, where Luqman began daily practice in the soil after school. His dedication bore fruit in 2022 when he won a silver medal at the National Wrestling Championship in Nandini Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.
Luqman’s mother, Zayada, also played a pivotal role — instilling in him religious values and even buying him his first wrestling jersey, a gift he treasures to this day.
Luqman, the youngest of five children of Chajjo Ali and Zayada received unflinching support from them to rise to a position where he is seen as a role model by many.
Today, Luqman is pursuing higher studies and a sports career; both need passion, commitment and above all time management.
Luqman says he practices each morning. “I go through rigorous training every day,” he told Awaz-the Voice. He says that managing both studies and sports requires discipline and hard work. “There is no shortcut to success.”
Luqman’s success is the result of his determination. He never gave up on challenges and kept moving towards his goal. This determination is an important lesson for the youth.
As a student of social work, Luqman says he realizes his responsibility to bring change in society through sports and inspiring others.
Despite success at the national level, Luqman’s humility is commendable. He always expresses gratitude to his coach, family, and university. His positive attitude is exemplary for the youth.
It is not easy to balance both sports and studies. Luqman successfully faced this challenge and achieved excellence in both fields. His struggle teaches the youth that challenges pave the way to success.
Despite wrestling being an individual sport, Luqman understands the importance of team spirit. He helps and encourages his fellow players.
His achievements teach the youth that success should not be limited to only one field but overall personality development.
Balancing sports and academics is no easy task, but Luqman manages both with unwavering discipline. “There are no shortcuts to success,” he says. “I train rigorously every morning and stay focused on both my studies and wrestling.”
As a student of social work, Luqman believes in using sports as a tool for societal change. His humility remains intact despite national-level success. He frequently expresses gratitude to his family, coaches, and university. “My success is not mine alone,” he insists.
His story is not just about wrestling — it’s about commitment, family support, and dreams pursued against the odds. Despite wrestling being an individual sport, Luqman emphasizes the value of team spirit. He encourages and supports fellow athletes in training, believing that collective growth benefits everyone.
Luqman’s dedication is evident in every step of his journey. He wakes up at 4 AM, follows a strict regimen, and spends hours honing his technique. His tactical understanding of the sport has helped him win matches with skill and precision. One such moment came in the Uttar Pradesh State Wrestling Championship in Meerut, where he won the final bout with technical mastery.
Behind every victory lies the silent sacrifice of his family and the relentless guidance of his coach, Mohammad Rauf, who identified Luqman’s talent early and nurtured it, even amid financial constraints.
His message to young wrestlers is simple yet powerful: “Discipline and patience are key. Never lose sight of your goal.”
Luqman’s turning point came in 2018, when he was admitted to Delhi’s prestigious Chhatrasal Stadium — a breeding ground for Olympic champions. “I couldn’t believe I was training on the same mats where legends had once practiced,” he says.
Luqman looks up to Indian wrestling icon Sushil Kumar and Russian Olympic medalist Abdulrashid Sadulaev as his role models. He aspires to follow in their footsteps — and then some. After competing in the ongoing Khelo India Wrestling Championships in Varanasi, he is gearing up for the Asian Indoor Championships in July.
But his ultimate dream remains unchanged: “If not Paris, I’m aiming for the 2028 Olympics. That’s where I want to raise India’s flag high,” he declares, with determination in his voice, before heading back to the training arena.
Article Credit: awazthevoice