Japanese wrestling icon Yui Susaki, a Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and Paris Olympic bronze winner, is making the most of her extended stay in India as part of the Pro Wrestling League. Beyond the mat, she is indulging in light tourism and savoring local delicacies like butter chicken, while also keenly observing the rising talent in Indian wrestling.
Embracing Indian Culture and Cuisine
For Susaki, a marquee player for the Haryana Steelers, this visit offers a rare break from the usual whirlwind of international competitions. Typically, wrestlers fly in, compete, and depart swiftly, but this time, she has had the luxury to explore. "I visited the Humayun's Tomb. It was such a great experience. The tournament is scheduled over a few days so I got the time to visit a tourist place," she shared with The Indian Express.
Her culinary adventures have been equally delightful. Teammates reveal that Susaki has developed a fondness for butter chicken and naan, occasionally starting her day with chhole bhature for breakfast. Delhi's diverse food scene continues to captivate the athlete, adding a flavorful dimension to her trip.
A Wrestling Legend on a Mission
Despite the leisure activities, Susaki remains focused on her primary goal: grappling with and assessing Indian wrestlers. Commanding a league-high fee of Rs 60 lakh, she has proven her worth as a near-guaranteed win for the Steelers, earning adoration from fans at the Noida Indoor Stadium with her electrifying performances and gracious interactions with young admirers.
Her illustrious career includes four World Championship gold medals and an unbeaten run to the Tokyo Olympic title, where she did not concede a single point. The only blemish on her international record is a loss to India's Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics, a testament to the growing competition between Japanese and Indian wrestlers in women's freestyle events.
Scouting the Next Generation
Susaki has taken note of India's emerging talent, particularly in age-group World Championships, where the two nations often vie for top honors. She believes that wrestling against young Indian competitors, even those not yet on the national team, provides valuable insights. "I heard Indian wrestlers are very strong. Then I came here to the league, and in the Haryana Steelers team, there are many young wrestlers who are good. They work very hard and have good mental strength," she observed.
When asked about the secret to Japanese wrestling success, Susaki emphasized hard work and attention to detail, noting that many start training as early as age three or four, with her own journey beginning at seven.
Mentoring and Encouragement
Beyond competition, Susaki has embraced a mentoring role within her team. After a loss in the PWL, she consoled promising wrestler Neha Sangwan, boosting her morale with words of encouragement. "When I lost a bout, she told me that I fought well and that the opponent wasn't attacking and in her heart, I had won. These words encouraged me," Neha recounted, expressing her aspiration to compete alongside Susaki at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
As Susaki continues her Indian mission, blending cultural exploration with professional scouting, she highlights the dynamic exchange between global wrestling powerhouses and the potential for future collaborations on the international stage.
