Feature Stories

Rustang: Transforming his life through sport

Posted : 16 Nov 2011 18:17:06

Palembang (UR): Indonesian wrestler Rustang's life story reads like a Hollywood rags-to-riches script, but he is not letting the success go to his head.

In his first appearance at the SEA Games, he won gold in the 60-kilogram freestyle at Palembang's Serbaguna Hall on Monday.

“I’m so happy to get gold in my first appearance. I’ve never thought I could do it. I dedicate this to my parents who always support and pray for me,” Rustang said.

His hard work has borne fruit and it looks like his decision to settle on wrestling as a hobby has paid off.

Through wrestling, Rustang can now make enough to support his parents and five siblings.

“My father no longer works [as a gardener] because he is too old, so I have to make a living through wrestling,” he said.

Now Rustam will be able to see his parents make the hajj pilgrimage after he is guaranteed of getting a Rp 200 million bonus the government is giving each Indonesian gold medalist.

When asked why he chose wrestling, he said he had no other choice. “It was not possible for my father to pay for anything than the basic necessities. Wrestling is a sport that does not cost any money. All you need is underwear and the right mind, that’s enough,” he said.

What about shoes? “Just practice first. Don’t think about the shoes. If you’re good, the shoes will come,” he said.