Type=image;ImageID=4279;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Commonwealth Games wrestler Chinu Singh;TitleClass=strong;
Reigning British and English champion Chinu Singh, who trains at Wolverhampton Wrestling Club, has been selected as part of the Team England squad for the Glasgow games in July.
And the 27 year old was given strong Civic backing when he took time out from his preparations to meet Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities.
Chinu was introduced to the sport by his father Parmjit, himself a wrestler at high school level back in his native India, at the tender age of 4.
His dedication and love of the sport has since seen him win a clutch of titles including 7 British Championships and 4 English championships.
He will be competing in the 125kg category of Freestyle Wrestling.
Chinu said: "I am very honoured and excited to be representing Team England at the Commonwealth Games.
"Four years ago, I was due to go to the games in Delhi but unfortunately got injured which was a big disappointment. But if you want to be a champion, you have to get on with it and now I'm looking forward to doing well next month.
"I started wrestling at a very young age. While most children were playing with toys, I was happier on the wrestling mats!
"My family has always encouraged me, especially my father, and they are very happy for me. They have all booked their tickets and are going to be cheering me on."
Chinu also paid tribute to his coaches Ranjit Singh Tutt, Amarjit Singh Tutt and Gurcheatan Singh Kooner, at Wolverhampton Wrestling Club - which is based at the Sikh Gurdwara in Cannock Road.
"I have an excellent coaching team who train me and prepare me for tournaments and I have a lot to thank them for. The club is great and caters for a number of combat sports for people of different ages."
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "This city has a proud sporting history and I am delighted to see this continuing with Chinu.
"Wolverhampton Wrestling Club is a fantastic facility and the coaches there do an exceptional job with all their students and Chinu's success reflects that.
"He has already achieved so much in his career so we will be cheering him on to Gold in Glasgow."
- released: Friday 13 June, 2014