Ambikapur, April 2 (NationPress) The saying ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ perfectly encapsulates the relentless spirit of athletes. Debi Daimari, a dedicated wrestler, embodies this resilience as she navigates her way through numerous challenges.

At 28, hailing from Dineshpur village in Golaghat district, Assam, Debi faced a tragic loss early in life, losing her parents at the tender age of seven. She subsequently moved in with her uncle and aunt, taking on various jobs to support her training amidst financial struggles.

Her perseverance bore fruit as she clinched the silver medal in the women’s 62kg category at the Khelo India Tribal Games.

“This medal is a testament to my hard work. I embarked on my wrestling journey in 2022 at the Khelo India Centre close to Kaziranga in Bokakhat. To afford training, I needed to rent a room, but with limited finances, I had to seek part-time employment for a year,” Debi, a member of the Bodo tribe, shared.

“In 2022, I worked at an Easy Bazaar store in Bokakhat, earning ₹2500 a month. The following year, I secured a position at Bon Villa Resort in Kaziranga, earning approximately ₹7000 monthly, while cleaning the swimming pool.”

“After long work hours, I managed to squeeze in two hours of wrestling practice each evening. Everything I have accomplished, including this silver medal, stems from that dedication. However, my ambition drives me to train harder for gold,” she expressed.

Prior to wrestling, Debi was active in powerlifting and arm wrestling. In 2022, she connected with Assam’s team coach, Anustup Narah, who has been pivotal in her wrestling education.

Coach Anustup reminisced, “I first encountered her during an arm-wrestling competition in Bokakhat in 2022. I instantly encouraged her to transition to wrestling. After some consideration, she agreed. I advised her to stay near the training center for optimal coaching. When she mentioned the rent was too high, I helped her find a job through the district wrestling association and provided her with a bicycle for commuting.”

Debi qualified for the Senior State Championships in Visakhapatnam within her first year of wrestling. Two years later, in 2024, she won a gold medal at the State Championship.

In 2025, Debi married, and with her husband’s support, along with her in-laws, her determination to excel at a national level has intensified.

“My in-laws have been incredibly supportive, and my husband, who works in Bengaluru, consistently sends financial support to ease my journey. My next goal is to earn medals at the senior level and ultimately compete internationally. I am fully committed to that vision. Once I return, I will diligently follow my coach’s plan,” she concluded.