Postal official from Mumbai nominated coach of national sumo team

The 450,000 strong postal family is known to include numerous talents in varied pursuits like sports, fine arts and literature. But even in such a talent pool of notable diversity, the emergence of a technical expert of international eminence in the field sumo wrestling draws disbelief. “What? A sumo coach from the Post Office?” is the typical reaction of people who are introduced to Chandrashekhar Shinde.

The familiar neighbourhood post office and the exotic dohyo of sumo wrestling appear to be worlds apart. But not so for Shinde, or Shekhar, as he is known to his friends. Balancing his regular work at the Post Office with his passion for the sport of wrestling, he has made a name for himself, first as a much feared wrestler, later as a sharp-eyed Referee, and thereafter as a respected Coach.

Growing up in Satara District in a village famed for wrestlers, the natural favourite among childhood games for Shekhar was wrestling. After being selected as a Postal Assistant in the Department of Posts, the Departmental wrestling competitions became his hunting ground and he won numerous medals for Maharashtra Postal Circle. The Youth Commonwealth Games 2008 where he was nominated as an official was a turning point, and his vast experience and technical knowledge of the sport came up for high praise. His selection as a Referee (Technical Officer) in the Commonwealth Games of 2010 was a natural progression from there.

The establishment of the Indian Sumo Wrestling Association (ISWA) was another turning point for him, and he was found to have a natural affinity for sumo wrestling. Since wrestling and sumo wrestling are both played to common rules, Shekhar was able to adapt his skills and proficiency in the former to the latter. Recognitions followed him, a notably one being the nomination as the Secretary of the Maharashtra State unit secretary of the ISWA.

The recent announcement nominating him as the Coach of the national sumo team for the International SUMO Wrestlers Tournament to be held in California, USA from 19^thMay, 2016 comes as another acknowledgement of his skills. As Shekhar prepares to cross the seas for this important assignment, Mumbai Postal Region feels a sense of pride, about one of their own having made it big in the international sporting arena.

Fare well, friend! Keep the Postal flag flying high!