Goonga Pehelwan

Goonga Pehelwan follows the extraordinary journey of Virender Singh, one of India’s most accomplished deaf wrestlers, as he pursues his dream of representing India at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Born and raised in a small village in Haryana, Virender began wrestling at a young age and went on to build an exceptional career, including multiple Deaflympics and World Deaf Wrestling Championship medals. Yet, despite his achievements on the mat, he faced persistent barriers and limited recognition from India’s sporting establishment. Moving between the wrestling arena, his village and the institutions that determine the fate of athletes like him, the film explores the battles Virender faces both inside and outside the ring. Goonga Pehelwan is a portrait of an athlete whose determination to compete at the highest level becomes a larger story about recognition, access and the struggles faced by deaf athletes in India. Join the filmmaker, Vivek Chaudhary and Virender Singh for a conversation following the screening, as they reflect on the film and the story behind it.