From a Hut to the Podium: Pune’s Sunny Fulmali Wins Gold for India
Lohgaon, 4th November 2025: In a remarkable display of determination and grit, 17-year-old wrestler Sunny Fulmali from Lohgaon, Pune, has brought glory to India by winning a gold medal in the 60 kg weight category at the Asian Youth Sports Championship held in Bahrain.
Sunny’s victory has not only made his family proud but has also filled Lohgaon and the entire Pune district with pride. Despite facing severe financial hardships, his relentless perseverance and belief in himself have turned his dream into reality.
The Fulmali family, originally from Beed, moved to Lohgaon a few years ago in search of livelihood. Living in a modest hut, Sunny’s father, Nandi Fulmali, earns a living by visiting villages as a fortune teller with a bullock, while his mother sells needles and dabhan on a handcart. Yet, these struggles never deterred Sunny’s determination to pursue wrestling.
Under the guidance of coaches Vastad Somnath Moze and Sadashiv Rakhpasare at the Raiba Talim in Lohgaon, Sunny began his wrestling journey. Recognizing his potential, he was later admitted to the Janata Raja Wrestling Center in Lonikand, where he trained under veteran coach Sandeep Bhondve.
His gold medal win is a testament to years of discipline, hard work, and the power of resilience. “No matter what the situation, if there is determination in the mind, dreams definitely come true,” said Sunny, who is currently studying in Class 10.
Following his victory, citizens of Lohgaon and nearby areas have called upon the government to extend special assistance for Sunny’s further training and to provide better facilities for his national and international preparations.
From a small hut in Lohgaon to the global wrestling arena, Sunny Fulmali’s inspiring journey stands as a shining example of how determination can triumph over adversity.
