7 things to know about India's Greco-Roman wrestler at Rio 2016, Hardeep Singh

India’s wrestling contingent contains some of the country’s biggest medal prospects at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The contingent contains representatives both in freestyle and greco-roman categories and will look to impress with their performances.

With 5 wrestlers in the men’s section and 3 in the women’s, it is a good mix. Hardeep Singh is making his debut at the Olympics and here are 7 things you absolutely need to know about the wrestler, with hopefully a medal on his way.

1. Hardeep was born in a family of farmers settled in a small village named Dahola in the Jind district of Haryana.

2. Wrestling became his passion at a very young age as he developed an afffinity for the sport while in school.Later, it turned into a serious passion when he started training at Zirakpur and later at the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi.

3. He almost lost his dream of representing the country at the Olympics in 2008 when his father lost a leg to an accident in the year 2008. Being the eldest among three siblings, he became the sole breadwinner for his family while still working arduously at his sport.

4. He has had a good record so far, having won many tournaments across the world. The JSW Sports Excellence Program supported grappler won a gold medal at the 2013 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships, defeating South Africa's Julian Labuschagne in the final in the 96 kg Greco-Roman category.

He also won a Bronze in the 96 kg freestyle category at the same tournament. He competed at the 2014 Asian Wrestling Championships in April and secured the fifth position at the tournament. Singh also participated in the 2014 World Wrestling Championships, but ultimately lost to Estonia’s Ardo Arussar after winning the qualifying round.

The year 2015 was particularly trailblazing for Hardeep, as he secured a gold at two pronounced national tournaments – the 35th National Games and the 60th National Wrestling Championships.

Hardeep won silver in the Greco-Roman 98 kg category at the 2016 Asian Championships held at Bangkok earlier this year, securing his berth in Rio.

5. Hardeep Singh is among 35 other athletes from the Indian Railways like Manpreet Kaur, Manoj Kumar and others who are participating this year in the Olympics. The Indian Railways has declared cash awards and other incentives like promotions and increments to the winners among these 35 at the Rio Olympics.

6. As the norm goes, Indians have generally been bad at the Greco-Roman style of wrestling as it doesn’t allow below the belt tackling and is completely dependent on upper body strength.

European wrestlers have largely surpassed Indians in the category. The JSW Sports Excellence Program member believes that he is capable of challenging the norm by successfully competing at Rio.

The first Indian to qualify in the Greco-Roman style since 2004, Hardeep will be hoping to keep his determination and performance intact this 16th as he makes his debut at the Olympics.

7. Hardeep Singh started his career as a freestyle wrestler, but switched to the Greco-Roman style in 2009 after the recommendation of his coach. It has been only 7 years since he modified his style of wrestling, but his progress shows that he has been very good and could get India a surprise medal at Rio 2016.