Richmond wrestler Arjan Singh Bhullar has moved a step closer to competing at the 2012 Summer Games in London by capturing his weight class at the Canadian Olympic trials.
The five-time national champion and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medalist prevailed in the 120 kg class over Sunny Dhinsa in a best-of-three match.
This is the second time Bhullar has prevailed at the Olympic trials. He also won in 2008 but lost out on the opportunity to compete in Beijing after a narrow defeat to a Cuban wrestler. He is one of four athletes from the prestigious SFU-based Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club to win at the national trials - joining John Pineda (60kg), Hiaslan Garcis (66 kg), and Matt Gentry (74 kg).
The Olympic trials came with a big challenge for Bhullar of not only facing a tough opponent but also dealing with some injuries which seemed to pop up at the worst possible time.
"Preparing for the trials was a lot more different and difficult than last time. Both me and my opponent, who is also a teammate from SFU, knew we were going to face each other in the finals and that made it a little bit awkward to prepare," stated Bhullar, who will now give his body some rest and then start preparing for the Pan Am Games in Orlando being held in March.
A placing in the top two guarantees an entry to the 2012 Olympics. There are two more international tournaments afterwards, in China and Finland, which will also serve as qualifiers. The top three in those events will advance to the Olympics.
Bhullar is excited about his chances of going to London.
"I truly believe deep down that it is my destiny to wrestle in the Olympics and win a medal for Canada," he said. "I have been successful at every other level and I truly believe that this is going to be my year."
Bhullar's last international victory came at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Most of his family and many relatives attended and no doubt if he wins the Olympic qualifier they will again be cheering for him and Canada in London, England.
In addition, a film crew will be present. A documentary - Journey to the Olympics - is being shot which will be broadcast nationally.
"All I have to do is make sure I do my part, which is win," stated Bhullar jokingly.
Besides wrestling, Bhullar has been involved with community work. He was chosen, along with some B.C.
Lions players, to take part in a federally and provincially funded program called EvaBC. This program is geared towards and stands for Ending Violence against Women.
"Statistically B.C. has the highest rate of violence against women in Canada and almost all the perpetrators are men," said Bhullar.
In addition, Bhullar was recently trained by the Esteem Team which is part of a national program that involves elite level athletes that speak to the youth and children in the community. This is an effort to inspire them to succeed and have positive goals.